02 November 2018

growing up

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.