Pocket Dolphin

That plastic dolphin, blue and cheap and bright,

hung on the rack beneath the store's harsh light.

Sixteen, dumb, with pockets full of dread,

I slid it in, no word was ever said.

A hot flush crawled, a nervous, buzzing heat,

my heart a drum, my stupid, clumsy feet

just moved me out, past aisles of candy, gum.

A small, dumb victory, where none should come.

It hung on keys for years, a salty stain,

a secret burden, pointless, full of pain.

Just a bad joke, a cheap and stolen prize,

reflected back in my own teenage eyes.