The neighborhood, still drowsy, 
gave us the streets to ride alone. 

My sister, eleven, five years older, pedaled 
as I steered. I rode first class on the banana 
seat, she was the coach. 

The dragons on our chinese pajamas expired 
fire, killed mosquitoes, put DDT to shame. 

When she covered my eyes I giggled madly 
as she sang, Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte. 

©2000 Peggy Putnam Owen