Barbie, blonde locks billowing, aproned in shadows
Once, on this same checkerboard kitchen floor,
Steeled herself for Ken’s return in his crimson Corvette,
Like the one in the happy couple photo by my parents’ couch.
“Your Lover Boy’s home,” he announced in my best bass.
“What’s for dinner, Sweetie?” “Swanson’s finest,” I Barbie-chirped.
“TV dinners again, B-word?” his plastic hand slapping her
Perfect face. I hoped Dad would spy her bolting backward, rubbing
Her plastic cheek, then inflamed by red Crayola marker,
Or Ken removing his faux leather belt
As Barbie lay ironed against the baseboard.
Act II
Hearing the plink of ice cubes drowned by Jack Daniels,
Barbie sloppily hummed “You Are My Sunshine,”
Willing Mom within earshot.
Ken abed, Barbie weaved
Unsteadily to their made-up bedroom and mumbled
Her way into the miniature four-poster,
Only to be rebuffed by my gruffest, loudest Ken,
“Get away from me, you miserable drunk!”
Her back to him, Barbie slurred,
“You son-of-a-B-word!” before passing out.
