Yesterday

I trailed the others
around the park,
you clasping my hand
in both of yours,
hard,
as if
I were Jack
and you my Rose.
You shook,
I held you close,
You stared into my eyes,
asking,
and I promised
to keep you safe.

Today

I find out you have a boyfriend
who apparently,
according to you,
is the greatest thing
since sliced bread.
In that case,
I’ll be the toaster;
set me to “Burn to a crisp”.
You look at me,
searching,
I nod calm clearance,
but secretly I’m waiting
‘till he hurts you,
so I can swoop in
and save you,
like Superman.
Thanks for ruining bread
for me.

Tomorrow

you’ll fret and distress,
how he’s nothing
you even wanted,
and wonder if
I was ever serious.
You’ll look at me,
hoping,
and I’ll smile back,
not because
you asked me to,
or I wanted to,
but because
I promised.