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Playing nice
no longer regulated to the playground
such rules follow into the house
some damage irreversible
eighteen years unable to be expunged
hiding like roaches
crawling in the dark
hiding in the light

Skin itches at the thought
of being friendly
and at new wounds
fresh from unrelated incidences
mock concern for spider bites
useless
as are bribes
and threats

Locking the door
protected from you
and drunken girlfriends
the later run into your arms
hiding from misguided backlash
words meant for a more sinister object

Your daughter was not missed
you missed a plaything
an idea
a running target
the dog being unacceptable
teeth gnarled
ready to snap
refusing to become your object
your daughter a coward
bows to others will
without second thought

Fear her enemy
she waits until she is returned
to where she belongs