Stepson
by Maureen Kingston



In the family line-up
he’s the pinch-hitter,

counted on in the clutch,
the one who won’t choke

when the dog’s been hit
by a van, the designated

driver on prom night,
the open billfold

posting bond.
In the team photo

he’s the one on the left,
at the edge, smiling,

the expendable inch
cut to fit the frame.






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