Sarah Edmonds
Daddy’s Little Prince(ss)

I paint my nails like a three-year-old
Because it makes my father happy.

He comments every time
Though it looks like I just humored my baby sister—
The one I never had.

The one I wish I had
To be dolled up and pretty,
To wear a dress and have it pointed out
Every
Damn
Time

The only time our father offers compliments—
He says it looks nice,
It’s a nice change,
It’s so fucking nice

The way I spin in the dress
Twirling so as not to feel the fabric
Caress
Swish against my unnaturally smooth legs
My too-wide hips.

I wish I had a baby sister—
Or any sister at all—
Or someone to just be more feminine than me

Because then maybe my father wouldn’t have to compliment
My smudged ruined nails
Or look so disappointed
When I ask to borrow his clothes again.