Please stay a little longer
so that I can take you
to IN ‘N’ OUT and have us sit in a park
while time swings—
I have a few memories of us alone, but not many—
I thought I loved my father more‚ but now
as a woman doing woman things, I love you best
He never treated you the way he should’ve—
I understand your need to scold him—make him pay
for all the love he gave to
others and all the times he went astray—I get it now
your hate—your secret garments from a man you never got the chance to let love you—
I always thought you hated me, because I sat as a reminder of a night you fought hard to forget
I understand—please, hate me all you want
I love you still—
You did the only thing you knew you could,
you couldn’t bring yourself to kill me before I even grew—
thank you—
But please, do anything you must to heal—
curse me, or him—
forgive, discard, retrieve—
do it until the pain is lessened—
do it while time, swings gently
on our smiles.
Do it before you forget, you are allowed—