Ngwatilo

Leaving is not an option
because of you, because of me.
Your face belongs to me,
when you shave it wrong I wince
as you itch. Your belly I accept
as I do your cavities, and I promise to nag
about the virtues of seatbelts.

Leaving is not an option because I got your tire
fixed today, because you hug like a solution.
Because you get me fried chicken
when I’m sad, hungry or tipsy,
because you know how to talk to Kenyan Police
and ward off nasty old men. Because I make you
eat vegetables so you will live a long life with me.
Because you don’t get the logic but eat them anyway.

We will not leave each other although the girl
in Costa Rica wanted you, and you her, because
you came home to me unscathed, regardless.
We hold on because you told me everything and I
did not panic, although listening was hard
and she won’t be the last. I will stay because you prove
you are mine. I will take my antibiotics dutifully
for you when I am sick, because I accept that me ill
is worried knots in your belly, as you depressed
is calm focus in mine and all the wrong words on my lips.
I will believe in you because of that look in the dark
of your uncle’s car, long before a promise, a threat or a kiss;
because you love me more anyway, and I am safe.

(April 30 edit)