Joanna Gilman Hyde

My Hawk Bedroom 8:05 am

Years ago when my kids were small

And he was “dating” me

A knock came pounding on my door

He let her in to see —

He let his second wife enraged

Up my stairs

To me

I sat upon my bed unclothed

No covers placed for modesty —

He held her off

As she flailed at me

I poised for SOMETHING worse:

“Take a look” was all he said

And married me to boot