For Ted, after the fact

I had cut the stifling apron strings but
looked for Daddy in my men,
a bear. A gentler authority,
but you too dimmed my light,
snuffed my candle almost to dark
and even though I struggled
you decorated me with babies
to keep me in me pinned
like a specimen for your casual pleasure.

Then you left
for days,
weeks at a time I languished.
Were you afraid I’d bite you -
again?

I could have dazzled
in a way you’ll never know.
As It is I was the loser, the lesser
in your scheme of durability.