JUST TO THE PARK

Ruby Frances begs Mom,
“Just to the park, Mrs. Winkler,
pleeeeeeze.”
Ruby Frances has her mother’s car today.
She wants to drive me just to Halley Park.
Four blocks down Two Street, turn left,
two more blocks to the park.
“Me too!” cries Jackson.
“No,” says Aunt Darnell. “Ruby Frances
needs more driving experience.”
“She has a lot!” cries Jackson.
Ruby Frances pats Jackson on the head.
“This is just girls today.”
“Boogerheads!” says Jackson.
“No potty-mouth,” says Aunt Darnell.
Mom finally says I can go.
But there are conditions.
“No farther than Halley Park.”
We agree.
“Bindi, you’re in the backseat.”
“How come?” I ask.
“Safer there,” says Mom.
“And seat belts on, girls.”
Of course.
“No radio. No cell phones. No texting.
No distractions.”
“Can do.”
“And if it starts to rain—”
“Mom,” I wail. “Let it go!”