Toothpaste and orange juice

I'm okay.

I’m just sad.

No, it’s not you, Dad.

It’s because of that boy.

The one that you said was bad

For me like drinking orange juice after I brush my teeth.

Which I still do every morning, Dad, hoping

Maybe

It will taste better than before.

I’m okay. It’s just

Painful.

Dad, why was he wonderful

Then all the sudden gone?

Why did he come in one night like thunder

Then disappear before dawn?

I’m okay, Dad,

I promise.

But not how he promised like a child,

His fingers crossed behind his back.

I promise like a rainbow,

Who’s always there with the sun

To dry up every terrain, tear, thought of him.

Nothing can make me break that promise, Dad.

I’m okay.

He was just bad.