i’m embarrassed because

dumb things expelled from

my mouth; things i believe

but cannot explain; & you

will outwit me, you always do,

clad in sundress & beaming

at the stars; you, curled up

on the couch with a mug of

hot tea—you always outwit me.

with that smile reigning

sovereign & delicious.

so i supplicate & i make

mashed potatoes for dinner,

& at night you watch me

sleep; i’m snoring; you hate

it but you watch me, bathed

in thin strands of light sliced

through vertical blinds. & think:

“is this what it is?”

yes. that is what i was trying

to explain. this is what it is.

jcb