Malachy says, Sam, Sam, Oy. Everyone laughs again but I dont
because I cant remember what comes after Sam. Freddie mumbles
through his cake, Samson, and Mrs. Leibowitz tells him, Dont talk wiz
you mouse full, and I laugh because shes grown-up and she says mouse
instead of mouth. Malachy laughs because I laugh and the Leibowitzes
look at each other and smile. Freddie says, Not Samson. My favorite
story is David and the giant, Goliath. David killed him dead with a
slingshot, a stone in his head. His brains was on the ground.
Were on the ground, says Mr. Leibowitz.
Yes, Papa.
Papa.Thats what Freddie calls his father and Dad is what I call my
father.
My mothers whisper wakes me.Whats up with the child? Its still early
and there isnt much morning in the room but you can see Dad over
by the window with Margaret in his arms. Hes rocking her and sigh-
ing, Och.
Mam says, Is she, is she sick?
Och, shes very quiet and shes a wee bit cold.
My mother is out of the bed, taking the child. Go for the doctor.
Go for Gods sake, and my father is pulling on his trousers over his shirt,
no jacket, shoes, no socks on this bitter day.
We wait in the room, the twins asleep at the bottom of the bed,
Malachy stirring beside me.Frankie,I want a drink of water.Mam rocks
in her bed with the baby in her arms. Oh, Margaret, Margaret, my own
little love. Open your lovely blue eyes, my little leanv.
I fill a cup of water for Malachy and me and my mother wails,Water
for you and your brother. Oh, indeed,Water, is it? And nothing for your
sister.Your poor little sister. Did you ask if she had a mouth in her head?
Did you ask if shed like a drop of water? Oh, no. Go on and drink your
water, you and your brother, as if nothing happened. A regular day for
the two of you, isnt it? And the twins sleeping away as if they didnt
have a care and their poor little sister sick here in my arms. Sick in my
arms. Oh, sweet Jesus in heaven.
Why is she talking like this? Shes not talking like my mother today.
I want my father.Where is my father?
I get back into bed and start to cry.Malachy says,Why you cry? Why
you cry? till Mam is at me again.Your sister is sick in my arms and youre
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