by Brian D. Morrison

 

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