Lazzaro

From fifteen on each of seven children was conceived, essentially, by rape
'You can't rape the willing.' she'll tell you
So she hardened and dehumanized - wolf, lioness, predator
That's why I loved her
Because she took me someplace, liquid and melding as water

I took huge financial risk to afford her, to save her, and them
But I failed
Now she's forever alone, again
Except for her children
Except in my dreams