Female

 

Female

Riding in my backpack
chattering gibberish 
she charms the gap-tooth man
who is in a happy mood 
so he repairs my chainsaw 
on the spot, no waiting,
asking only for
two six-packs of Bud
which we buy
from the bodega next door.

With greasy finger 
he touches her nose, 
leaves a smudge 
that makes me shiver—
his mark, a warning.
“Don’t tell Boss,” he says, 
winking at my daughter 
who giggles, who is as yet 
too innocent
of her power.

…..

First published in Rat’s Ass Review 
Thank you editor Roderick Bates

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