Swimming Away
by Cheryl Stiles


Forget honesty. Please tell me about
subterfuge, capacity for deceit,
dark and numbered rooms. Speak freely because
now it's a matter of the state and laws,
mere formality, this marriage over--
some forms to file, procedures to follow.
All the bellboys with their idiot grins.
Too many drinks, room service, ordered in,
receipts signed. I've seen signs like these before.
Just how stupid do you think I am? More
to the point, how long did you think I'd wait
for that thin slice of affection? Like bait
you cast it so easily here and there.
Your hook too used and dull, too worn to snare.






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