she crawled hands and knees on the kitchen floor
crying, breathing shallow, twisted mouth

she pulled my face to hers
she sat in my lap

our electric blues connected
she saw into my soul

she told me I don’t have JOY
or GOD in my heart

that it’s making GOD sad
that she wants to see more of her dad

her heart won’t obey her
“my secret is telling me
not to tell”

I dig my hands into her body
grip her tight
for dear life
dear life

I tell her she is right,

and that I am sorry.