Fat Bottom Girl Said What

Fresh Paint

I paint over the memories

of the abuse

you drowning in drugs and alcohol

one coat

two coats

hoping for a clean slate

but nothing blocks it out

or washes it clean

I’m still dirty with all of it

Apathy

I never loved you enough

to hate you

but you

inked my name on your body

as if you would love me forever

then changed your mind

wife #2

wife #3

hating me when the love for 2 and 3 lost its shine

fresh ink covering up the anniversary present to yourself

as I covered up the ring

(which never suited me)

with pieces of costume jewelry

(which bore no special significance)

in my jewelry box

Old Concert T-Shirts

the old concert t-shirt

was the only thing you left

when you left me

even though it was one of your favorite bands

maybe it reminded you too much

of the night we met

pushed up against each other

in a sea of people

I turned to look at you

and I instantly knew

I would be okay with seeing your face

across the table over my coffee cup every morning

for many mornings to come

but one day

the music just stopped for you

shared song lyrics were no longer enough

in a world filled with temptations

of new tunes

so here I sit

in your holey concert t-shirt

drinking coffee alone

Utilitarianism

My body has become

utilitarian

my legs merely carry me through days of loneliness

my arms no longer know how to embrace a man

my hands have forgotten how to alight upon skin to bring pleasure

and only go through the motions of sustainment

wash

chop

open

fold

type

my heart serves only to syncopate the silence of singlehood

What is left when your body has forgotten how to live?

Ordinary Things

Love me the most

for the ordinary things

for the way I get lost in the music

and sing like no one is listening

for the way I have conversations with my animals

like they’re people

for the way I vacuum the floor

and fold the towels

for the way I kiss you every morning

before you walk out the door

like it might be the last time I see you

Love me

just because

I’m me

and there’s no one else like me