when I grew up
my mother hand-stitched
me a dress like a dream
layers upon layers
of silk and net
gold and white and cream
my stepfather
kissed me hard on the lips
and moved his tongue roughly
and insistently
inside my mouth
saying I was grown up now
this was his gift
men who came later
threatened to kill him
gnashed their teeth and
clenched their fists -
yet wanted the same
and more.
