The clock slipping off of the desk is ugly,
And melting like pudding.
You look even uglier.
So ugly, in fact, that I can’t even look at your turnover head
And the freckles Pollocked on your back–
You forgot your favorite tie on the floor.
It’s in the corner, and before you get up to shower, I’ll get up and kick it under my pile of dirty clothes
And get back into bed.
I’ll pretend that I’m sleeping as you get ready with the lights dimmed.
When you come to kiss my head and say, “’Til five,”
I’ll turn my head away, as if I’m in uncomfortable dreams.
When you get home, you’ll want dinner and sex.
I’ll put out some Thai left overs and have you help yourself.
I’ll go into the office.
You will wait around for me to finish my next chapter,
And then we will have it good, three times in a row.
When it is over, I will roll myself onto my stomach,
Huddled, near the edge,
and curl up with myself.
I will not give a shit about whatever the fuck you want to say to me,
I will, instead, quietly drift off into my pretty sleep.
This is how I will win our fights.
