__ather’s Day

Dear Bennet

I’m trying to love you, but I’ve made me a liar

Can I ask you for compassion as we look at my fine print?

I know it changes so often too, because I was told I could be anything

So my love, I became everything — everything but good enough

My body says I’m a liar too, you know because you’ve seen my scars

Can I ask for grace as I dance in pieces? Will you see any beauty there?

My father’s labels read like brail across my chest

Engraved by years of omniscient narration that tells me what I am

Can I ask for mercy and pretend to be blind?

Can I ask for a different story but be indulged by deafness?

Sell me as good potential and I’ll work so hard — too hard- to be a good girl

My father’s labels say caution: used, abandonment issues, insecure, cooks well

Dear Bennet. I’m trying to love you, please lie to me.