A step away

from parents.

The step that takes

the parents away.

Lessons I've learned

from having step-parents:

1. I cannot depend

on parents to defend me.

2. I will always come second.

Or third.

Or seventh.

3. I cannot expect anyone to love me

just because they should.

4. I should take the abuse

and bite my tongue. (I've

almost grown used to

this taste of blood.)

My feet are rebelling.

Mainly the toes.

Particularly the nails—

turning the wrong way,

thickening strangely.

Grandmother toenails,

old age chasing after me,

clutching at my heels.