Men Like These

From reading Rupi Kaur and watching

my beautiful daughter dancing,

it’s clear certain men have stolen

all our innocence with their sleaze.

The price that’s paid for men like these

A ballet dancer’s form is a gorgeous thing,

but “form” is less personal than “body” -

I’m careful with words, as one has to be.

The price that’s paid for men like these

Changing out of her dance leotard

and for a moment at home quite naked;

“Don’t look away Daddy, please”.

The price that’s paid for men like these

Just nine years old with heart of gold

and the apple of my eye for sure,

a mind that’s pure and yet to mature,

to be corrupted by the birds and bees.

A price still to pay, for men like these