Cindy Lou Who

childhood memories are always easy to find
if you know where to look
you’ll find things like a white house in Lenoxburg
not new enough for shutters
and when people everywhere know your name
you won’t hesitate to reveal stories
to share
with the whole world
like how much you shivered in the evening air
when you showered under a culvert because your family
camped in areas where the only running water
was the river
and you won’t be embarrassed to divulge
your country roots
like sleeping in the barn to protect
newborn goats from coyotes
or the heat and dust choking you as you struggled
to throw square bales from a wagon
eyes watering
muscles shaking
and though you shuddered when crows screeched
your grandmother would smile
and hold you
her little Cindy Lou Who
and though some of your dogs were killed by cars
there was always another to snuggle at your feet
another group of baby goats to protect
your blankets in the hay and a gun at your dad’s head
and whether you were in the barn
or in a tent
or in your mother’s bed with all your clothes on
because the ice storm cut off the power
and there’s only one generator
for three houses full of family
you knew the day would come
when people would ask you
tell your story
and you would smile
shake your head
close your eyes
and search and
you would find the love your parents shared
with you and your brother
and each other
and you would know that your life was good
little Cindy Lou Who