2


Tire me with white lies and petty pretty 

complicity—we've never ventured far 

from here, preferring civil to the city.

The summer streets don't smell of death, and tar

crossed avowals on mortar and concrete

are dusted away by hairspray and money.

The women walk fast, low cut and high cleat—

and men turn their heads, eyes sunken and puny.

Point to me, starlet, with newer good lies; 

watch my eyes receding, beady and dead.

Lie to me, lie to me, lie to me bride.

Gaze into the sockets of slime in my head.

We are all friendly and heavy with flesh. / Touch hands together, and pray we are blessed.



originally published by Otter Magazine