poem

I saw the little girl tonight,
hurt,
defiant,
defensive.

I saw the little girl tonight,
close up, but distant.
Head angled back,
chin forward,
body defense side-on,
darting derisive words.

I saw the little girl at work
when I reminded her
of something I thought she had forgotten
to do.

I saw the little girl tonight,
hurt,
defiant,
defensive.
How can I tell you I love you
when you mistake me for your father,
little girl?