A History of Exigency
for Lucy Jane
I am concerned about you
growing into a woman
this territory is a tired stretch
unfit for building daughters
into palaces of commerce
or cathedrals of the mind
the broadband media
spigots that pour buckets
of unearned power tucked
under ties and scuffed
shoes all of it endless
and all of it given to you
snakes writhing in pools
you’re required to swim in
and I’m here a person
willing to shape you daughter
into a woman who expects
great things simply put
you will be perfect and will
want worlds upon worlds
and any of them worth
having I want to give you
all of them even though
they are already given
elsewhere and who wants
someone else’s mistake