The Response

Savannah? That's funny. Reminds me of my brother--
he used to call everyone by where they were from. His
friend Timmy was Kentucky and Rob was Baton Rouge.
I must say, it's a pretty incredible thing, what happened
to you. It must take an awful lot to persevere. You can
use my computer any time you want. You're probably
cleaner than most of the people I know. You write
poems and I will try to get them published. I'll tell
the publishers it's "speculative fiction." I'll publish
them under a pen name--your name. You have to
tell me your full name, Maddy. I'm so happy my
new friend is not only a friend; she's also a poet. Every
time I've been called crazy for liking bugs I've thought
to myself that one day I'd show everyone for sure--
bugs have souls just like everyone else. Your soul is
strong, Maddy. Don't give up. One day you'll be
famous. I'm also glad you like my singing. I'll sing
for you and you write me poems. That's fair, right?

(2007)