Daughter

If you learn of where
I have been spending my nights
From an accusive frenemy
Will you defend me?

If i come home to you
Pregnant
Will you still take me in?
Talk to me?
Not ask me to leave?
Not tell me how i
Dishonored you?

Let me know when you
Think you can do that
And make me feel like
I have a safety net
Like i have a place to go
No matter what

For now i do not feel so safe
And i weigh every step
Before i take it
Measuring, deciding
How to shield you
From all the hurt
The world can hurl at you
That you are not
Ready to accept
On my behalf

Let me know when you think
I will be more important to you
Than the world's opinion of me

Until then,
Do not speak to me
Of love