SUITCASE


Don't forget your socks, you say,

and take your magazines--

but the ashtray stays.


It says “Niagara Falls” and has two chips

from where it caromed off the wall.

I stopped smoking anyway.


I can't get the clasps closed

so we go to bed and fuck

like goats

and fall asleep.





CONTINUED


I awaken to the smell of scrambled eggs

and coffee

and leftover ham.


You have made breakfast as an apology,

flying your colors at the altar-table

before flinging it at me

as your rage returns.




FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME


We gurgle at each other

Like competing coffee pots

Debating who gets darker.


I staple a smile to my face

and wait for you to stop

talking.


The relationship is over,

So why am I still here?