the cleopatra sister

don't use up
all the hot water I yelled
to my sister
as she
entered the bathroom
on the second
floor
with towels and magazines,
a drink,
the phone, cord
under the door.
it was the only bathroom
in the house
and once she got in there,
there was
no getting her
out.
don't worry about it, she'd
yell back,
locking the door
behind her.
go use the hose in the back yard,
she'd say,
tossing out a bar of
soap, or just wait your turn.
sometimes
the other brothers
and sisters would
come up
the stairs
and see you sitting
there on the top step.
she's in there,
i'd say.
it's going to be a while.