I wasn’t ready.
In fact, I hadn’t even completely turned myself
Into a proper child.
All my dolls were lined up on top of the closet,
An army of silent virgins
Never willing to answer any of my questions.
My skin was brand new, my ears already broken
My eyes had been consumed by the sight
Of my princess in the bathroom
Quietly sobbing in front of the mirror.

The day you decided it was time to grow up
I was five and quite busy in the process
Of teaching myself how
To put my fingers to the corners
Of my mother’s mouth
To make her smile.