Poetry: "The Chores"

By Frannie Lindsay

My father sets the box of  newborn kittens
into the pit of  soil. I’ve done a good job
with his shovel.

He pats my bottom. I’ve tucked the right bullets
into the pouch of  my overalls. He lets me
load the revolver, closes his hands around mine

from behind. The gravel and silo and sky
run together with mewing.
Eggs over easy sputter and clap from the kitchen.

I push the loose hair from my face,
aim down. The morning air is slow
with green flies. The straps of  my first bra

pinch my shoulders. I am his
good, good daughter. Now, he says,
and I don’t waste a shot.