"I do"

She said I do

not want to tell

her to come back

inside, her small

heart already

black and blue

because dad had

better things to do.

She said I do

not want to stay

up watching late

night TV; a religious

man on screen

promising God will

change your life

if you just call.

She said I do

not want to call

but I will

because what if...

and the man

speaks in tongues.

She said I do

not want to pack

a bag for her

with a note

"I love you"

in case those

who roam his

home at night

make her believe

one woman is

never enough for

him,

for anyone.

She said I do

not want to

I do not want

I do not

I do

She said I do.