Guardian

Come
stay with me tonight—
my bed is small
but I will share.

Bring your most comfortable pajamas
we’ll have a sleepover—
teenage girls again,
giggling and painting each other’s nails.
No talk of boys though;
they are the reason I need you here.

I warn you — I kick
unless your skin is touching mine,
I think you are him.

Can we just pretend?

Lie next to me — hold me as a lover
I know you are kind.

Keep me safe when he enters my dream.