Content note: contains themes of sexual violence.
The location
of this bookstore
that I really liked
closed years ago;
so I come here.
I look at the used books
and the vinyl records.
I don’t buy anything.
It was here
that I came
right after
it happened.
I was on his couch
flat on my back
knees almost to my ears.
He entered me
without asking.
I came here anyway
just as I planned
before I left home.
I had books to sell.
I stepped into the restroom
to check myself.
I wiped away a purple paste.
There was less blood
than I expected.
There was less pain
than I expected.
I heard my name
being called
on the intercom.
My offer was ready.
I collected my $14
and headed home.