Waiting For The Bomb


Full moon lingering for five days.
I drift to Friday, clutching and choking
Past Valentine's displays at Ralph's.
     And all I see are florals,
     Red startling boxes, balloons, bears,
     Cinnimon cookies, chocolates,
     Ginger and greeting cards.
My box of triscuits rests beneath a paper cupid.
My Hawaiian Punch next to Love Potion Number Nine
     (and it's on special)
So sick and silent I murmur my
"Sweet Surrender", langish over "Love Lines".
And wonder why she never picked up the phone.

This haircut changes nothing
This silver ring is stolen.
I hold no hopes as my week ends.
V-Day approaches to a parade of candlelight,
Wine bottle whispers about required romance
While we window shop, waiting for the bomb to drop,
To stir and infect this desert of chance.

9/97
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