she knew i hated jukeboxes
but she bought me one anyway
let the radio run and filled the silence
like a fridge’s steady thrum
she’d sing while sudzing
and argued in the shower
her reflection holding its own
she’d buy those obnoxious poppers
the ones that spewed fetti’ bits
and bursts of rabble
for every holiday
belt the birthday chorus
like she owned its copyright
at every graduation
she’d clap and holler
and give no damns
louder than every other kid’s
noisy great aunt
she’d laugh in theatres
and whisper through tunnels
on trains-
click her heels
with clack in her gait
she bought records
for every day of the year
from soprano to base
she danced tap and ballet
with piano breaks in between
she filled the silence
and found it sound
and slowly she became
the most beautiful woman
i ever did hear
-ammarah siddiqui