a mother
throws her daughter kisses
embarrassing but
pleasing her with affection
a father
disappears
leaving men in his wake
who steal her candy
a monster
hides behind
the human face
offering sweet rewards
the mask stays on
in company
but the girl must touch
the rotting flesh below
swinging solitary
in moonlight
the girl can’t feel her hands
since he fell
and mother
has no tongue to speak
of the monsters
who come
to take her daughter