Perfidy

Perfidy

Grandma & Grandpa

Photo by J C Kiriluk

Anastasia

My grandmother's legs were so henpecked
above her short socks and hard shoes
that it hurt to look at them. Once
on the farm when I wouldn't eat mustard
on my frankfurter she offered mayonnaise.
She took time, she studied us.

At the store,waiting for those inside,
she sat with my older sister and me
in my parents' '49 Chevy. She told Celia
that our cousin Janet was spoiled.
I was five and thought she had a point.

When the subject of the confidence
returned with her mother, with all
the others, when the Chevy was in motion -
I turned Grandma in.

I informed.

Now, whenever I see a hot dog with mayo
I think of treachery,
betrayal.