Hide-and-seek

Growing up ... under a cabbage in the Garden of Secrets.

Everyone seemed old growing up and one had to keep track of which Dot they were talking about.

Big Dot, Little Dot, Dorothy.

Thankfully, Aunt Verna had her own name.

There were those never mentioned around children.

Like ... who ... thankfully fell off a float.

Everyone knew everyone's faults but were closed mouth — unless drunk.

I was damaged fruit from a sober branch, not allowed to speak — the invisible silent one.

But, even I knew who favored who, and how my mother and aunt mixed like oil and water.

That sad child with a wan smile still plays hide-and-seek with shadows.