He knots me in ways
I never knew my body could bend.
He wraps his arm around me
From the back; palm pulling on my forehead,
And tugs me into his chest.
With his command,
I look up to acknowledge those above me,
Who look down on their only daughter.
I need you all to know I am not unhappy. I find
Solace in the closeness, the skin-to-skin,
The alluring melody we two create.
There is a rigid dichotomy
Between us, yet
I can’t help but answer
His calls. Open the door after his daunting knock.
So, look down on your fool and laugh
Because I too am laughing back.
In your time, have you ever felt
This closeness? Have you ever had peace
In knowing that you will always
Be there for someone? You can’t forget,
His gender occupies a space in the title of mine.
The wood-paneled ceilings
Are scattered with nails—the only thing
Separating the two generations.
I will not lie, there is something in me that
Yearns for this to be over.
But not just this time,
Each, and every, time.