an online meeting
an offline feeling
moved you across oceans
marriage tied your innocence
to a culture’s delusions
draped in duty’s garments
you eighteen and tangled
in your want for freedom
he is forty and some
no one ever in you
and he says he cannot
brings you to the OB
she will get you pregnant
instead she called on me
“Would you be her primary?”
I also have an eastern name
“Do you have time today?”
I met you, and him,
both in the exam room
my hand showed him out
so we could speak alone
he stood hesitant
in the hall,
like a spider guarding prey,
then on the web
began to crawl
to the waiting room,
in the hold
of his knots
sufficiently assured
you live with him
and his mother
servant
allowed outside with him,
or his brother
patriarchy
I recommended frequent visits
excuse
full physical, blood tests, vaccines
acquaintance
anticipatory guidance,
and more counseling
connection
complete review of systems:
“What is love, our purpose?”
minister
you didn’t tolerate a pelvic exam
prediction
neither did I
reluctance
no evidence of abuse
hidden
you think he loves you
innocence
believe his impotence
trust
his med list says Viagra
deception
tries to impregnate you
with a turkey baster
each barren period
amplifies his anger
rarely out of your room
cell
shouted to every chore
slave
only shame would greet you
if you returned home
outcast
answering service calls
during my vacation
emergency
told them to connect you
if you ever asked
epiphany
I spoke to the shelter
checked on your address
you will wait outside
for the car they have sent
chance
“call the human rights attorneys”
I repeatedly say
online
I haven’t heard from you though
ever since that day
offline