Isabella
Helen Heath

She is a frenzied atom, bouncing
from wall to door frame.

She is a muppet video on fast forward
a three-hour tape till bedtime.

She is a super slick eel, sliding
her finger up the hot tap.

She is an ice-skater, down the hallway
kissing the floorboards.

I am the ambulance driver
and the stretcher.
(No, she wants to be the driver!)
I am the doctor
(No me!)
and the sick-bed pillow.