these are just the facts.

you watch her tear-stained

blotchy face and look at me

like i'm some lost cause.

'big mistake,' you think.

'how could she?'  you think, and then

you excuse yourself.

and i'm left alone

with my child for a moment

while you duck away.

i want you to know

that in that moment -- when you

thought i was annoyed,

tired, and beaten,

i was loving her more than

i've ever liked you.