by Mary Hanrahan
i
do you want a towel
here's a jacket
i called the police
come out
from under there i won't hurt you
let's get you cleaned up
i'm detective loud voice bad breath
i need to ask you a few questions
did you know him what did he look like
we will need to take a picture
do you have clothes you can change into
i need to scrape under your nails
your dad is on the way
are you sure it was a gun
and not something that looked like a gun
how old are you
have you ever had sex before
tell me again
what happened
what did he look like how old
are you sure it was a gun
and not something else
like a hammer or a garden tool
ii
you are beautiful anyway
have they found him yet
at least you've lost weight
we will get you a new mattress
and paint your bedroom
i can't date you anymore
my mom says i have to focus on school
and
you're messed up right now
hi this is jeff will you go to homecoming with me
just kidding
this isn't jeff (laughter on the other end of the phone)
did you suck his (click)
iii
where did you get those scars
why is your eye droopy
you are a jumpy thing
relax a little
time heals all things (gag)
you are so weird
what's wrong with you
you are so weird
what's wrong with you
you are so fucked up
what is wrong with you
at least he didn't shoot you
not every man is going to rape you chill
your name means bitter
forgiveness is the only way to forget it
whatever doesn't kill you . . . (gag gag)
it's not like he rape-raped you
it could've been worse
you're alive that's what matters
it was so long ago
let it go
smile