i don’t want you
but i need you
the way i wish my dad was there
to take away the ick, the stick
the mean boys and dirty dishes
and later, the white knight
to sweep in and stop 
the marriage, the color-coded closet
the punched in walls
please, shut yourself on that critter
wipe him out with your fast-moving metal
please, i say, hands shaking
a scoop of peanut butter waiting in your box
place you on the floor and realize 
i’m glad you’re the one here
to help me