I have always been the teacher,
never the taught.
I understood how to silence
slammed cabinets and
cries of infidelity
with my hands
before they were big enough
to cover your ears.
I burned all
of my books
so that you never had to learn.

Please listen to me
because I am too and I understand.
Your tears are waves that
washed you out with ache;
the ocean doesn’t know
what it has done.
Honey. Dear.  Sweet.
Put it away. Place it gently in the box
that God has given to every little girl
before she realizes her purpose
where she may keep her darkness quiet.
Darling, do not hesitate;
do not be afraid.

It locks without a key

What would the world look like
if thoughts poured
through fingertips,
imprinting secrets on
window panes
dinner tables
library books
her arms
your back

I wonder.