WHORE

we are sitting
on the edge of the bed

DAMN IT! she spits,
taking off her boots,
I'VE GOT A HOLE
IN MY STOCKING!

SHIT, I laugh,
sprawling out across the mattress,
THAT'S NOTHING,
I'VE GOT HOLES IN
ALMOST EVERYTHING I OWN

IT'S EMBARASSING, she sighs,
blowing a lock of hair
from her nose
to the side of her head

LISTEN, I say,
I'VE GOT A HOLE FOR EVERY
NIGHT I SANG LOVE SONGS TO
AN AUDIENCE OF EMPTY BOTTLES

I'VE GOT A HOLE FOR EVERY
TIME I MISSED AN OIL CHANGE
OR A TUNE-UP

I'VE GOT A HOLE FOR EVERY
GOOD WOMAN THAT LEFT TOO SOON
& EVERY BAD WOMAN
I LET STAY TOO LONG

WHICH AM I?  she asks,
pressing her nails into my thigh

WE'LL SEE,
I say,
wiggling a toenail
out of my sock

it needs clipping



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