Rust on Grey / by Rebecca Tillett

It could be louder,
Circumspect but calm –
for the boys over there
& something small for you
Take your shoes off,
unwind some more
edgy’s never pretty. They can’t have that,
hanging on the railing –
walking barefoot
something to calm you down
I need the practice
and it’s only paper, anyway
It’s really about to stick
& hopefully stay for good
she wants to leave
& black isn’t my color
you forgot to say goodbye
so don’t touch the kitchen sink
regardless of the beauty –
of rust on grey.

(2004)