He was our friend, Irv,
and had come for dinner. Daddy
was late from work, Irv
and I were in the yard
where Mother was feeding
the baby. I’d answered no
to something—did I
want some water—and Irv said
Come on, all the little kids
say no. Try yes, just try it.
Good word to know in life.
Do you want some apple?
And I replied No No No No
getting caught up in how strong
that word felt
and feeling the thrill of
saying it. I stamped my feet
as if stamping out a little fire
and danced about
and giddily, I was me, me, me, me,
I could—
And answered No! again.