He’d rather embrace this lonely disappointment As others do, long married, wet from a shower,
Squeezing behind his wife at the basin Almost audibly as if sealed in laminate.
There’s dignity in that—a bathroom steaming, A naked woman flossing, his body beaded,
Glistening and framed in the doorway. He would have that special someone to blame,
Hate for a time, and forgive, as she would him When her own sadness sweetened and turned clear.
Then, he’d write off the expense as time spent, Admit that there’s pity behind affection,
And hear the kisses at his temple murmur, We tried. We’re trying. Sweetheart, this is it.
Originally published in the Los Angeles Review
by Curt Rode
Rob Russell (guitars, vox) Richard Sewell (drums) Curt Rode (bass)
Rob Russell (guitars, vox) Robert Alfonso (guitars, vox) Richard Sewell (drums) Curt Rode (bass)