School Night

School Night
by Stephanie Tallett

You stood outside my window til three
Waiting for dad to sleep
He lay on the floor in the den
Since half past ten
Legs crossed at the feet
The TV was selling a set of knives
Cooing its low-light pitch
Between me, my dad, and the door
Til nearly four
Still you stood for me
I wouldn’t think to ask it again
On account of the wait