the hot breath that breached out
of his mouth sent shivers down my naked body
saliva that was not my own seeped into my mouth
his enlarged hands gripped my ribcage pulling me closer
like a fisherman reeling in his next meal
like a vacuum cleaner getting its cord wrapped up
all nice and neat
when he knew someone would find us
on the couch
he rushed me to the bathroom
stay here for a bit
second grade me–
with pigtails and a barbie lunchbox
scurried to dress myself with my underdeveloped fingers
clothes. shoes. hair. check.
the tile made my feet tingle
count to 60 mississippis
Inklings Literary Magazine 