I was on the fading edge of wakefulness when
he told me he bought a handgun—
then asked
does that bother you?

I hesitantly answered no—
but honestly?
it had not had time
to sink in

you know
in case there is a coup

he added

Later as he fucked me
I looked in his eyes
hoping to see a killer—
thinking it would help me get off

but I only saw a scared little boy
trying, failing to disappear
into another womb

~

Image Credit:Maddi Bazzocco

Jennifer Wilder was born a poet and later became a teacher of science, mother of boys, creator of artsy stuff and is currently training to become the craziest of cat ladies in central Texas.