“MRS. SMITHS ENGAGEMENTS” 22 Feb 98

As evening stretches to morning
and the politeness chokes us all
I casually refill my glass
although I know alcohol is bad for me - in excess
and undo my shirt button

its too late to change the way
this evenings going for the world
Mrs’ Smiths dreary conversation
of the poshest suburbs and stray husbands
and colour co-ordinated fashions -

you really need to ask why I drink?
Thanking God
(if he exists, but that’s another matter entirely)
I never married someone like you
you say he cheated because
it’s the fashionable thing

I know if I was him
I couldn’t stand you
half empty. half full.
I’ll be drunk if I’m not careful.

home | reviews | rants | poems | writings | trivia | news | links | about mark |

© copyright Mark Reed, 1991-2002 except where indicated