dear mother

it happened again, maman.

just the way it happened
with you -- that night, just before
dawn came without you.

without you.

he walked in late, maman, smelling
of her
and lager.
i wanted to touch him -- tell him I
forgave him -- tell him it was okay, maman.
because i am a woman.

these scars, maman. these bloodied
lines against my breast. . .they connect me
to you.

but we are buying a dog, today.