September 2017 (Delta)

Gabe, when you were nine months old
We took Delta down to Los Angeles
Only to realize when you went to bed at 8pm
We had to go too
So, we hid under the hotel comforter
Eating pastrami sandwiches by iPhone light

The next day, Gabe, we met Seth & Bora at Chosungalbee
You conducted the grilling beef from your highchair
Until the hostess noticed your prime cheeks
Her waitresses came by to receive your smiles
Even chased us outside to wave goodbye
But we got to keep you

When you were five, Gabe
We told you this story
You asked, Was Beatrice there? No
Back then, your sister was only a plan in our heads
That’s right, you replied
She was just a palm tree on an island

Joe Gallagher was born and raised in Orlando, FL. He now lives in Frederick, MD where he runs an independent press and media company called Rainbow Skull. His poetry and short fiction have appeared in Okay Donkey, Carolina Quarterly, DIAGRAM, Corium, and Redivider (forthcoming). He has a wife who writes novels, two small children, and one large dog. Find all his links at giantglowingrainbowskull.com.