day 31; july

When I was a little girl—though I can't remember now,
I had an imaginary friend and affectionately named him
     July.
Even at four I was rhyming in love, as I talked about his home in the sky.

And so I thought it’d be funny—if ever I were blessed—I might name my son
     July.
It would mean little to me, and lifelong torture for the kid,
but at least it’d give my mom a laugh, and satisfy my sister’s full Family Calendar.

So here, Mom. You can hold him.
Mind his head, and be gentle.
He is still so very young.