lightning

lightning
talks a blue streak
dresses in angelic rags
dances barefoot reels
runs down the stairs and
shocks the neighbors
sleeps intermittently and
sings opera off-key

lightning
is outspoken
speaks before thinking
(you can hear a pin drop before the
rumble of disapproval hits)
covers her embarrassment
with a brilliant smile
loses her car keys and
leaves the house swearing

lightning gives her kids static
wears electric blue
hums in the wires
rattles the cupboards
has impossibly long legs
flashes lacy underwear
and bolts for the door.