Benjamin Buchholz

 

Dave, David, Daniel and I

To tell you the truth, Dave
Wasn't thinking about apple blossoms
Though her mouth puckered
After a stint of abstinence.
To David, scared sick and unusually silent
The background noise of the bar:
Nothing but an after affect of having hit
His brakes just before the bus.
Daniel begins to develop a story
Of a phone conversation and how
When the telemarketer finished she sighed
And said "Thanks."
While, meanwhile, me: I'm deep in my trousers.
Shortly I'll relax and have something to say
About food and how fast the air feels
When you jump.

*

Now it's time to listen:
A change in the streetcar direction,
The wind pricks.
                                           I have an answer.
(laughter)

                                           It's important for a man
                                           To smile when her mouth
                                           Opens.

Not you. You're dull.

                                           Dave, I should
                                           Eat now.
                                           These shots . . .

Somehow remember this.

                                           Not the frozen contraptions,

Time slow between stoplights.

                                           Come away from the widow-making

Wall, you wallflower!
Come take my camera.

                                           I've pitched a tent.

We can share!

                                           If there were only some
                                           Girls here, Danny-O.

If!

                                           I don't like this answer.
                                           It's like a game where you look
                                           Everyone in the eye and
                                           Can find no one at all.
                                           Please come out.

When I put my hand in my pocket,
I feel constricted.

                                           What does that mean?

Antisocial. Unprepared.

                                           Let's talk to these girls . . .

Please, I can't breathe today.
Not at all.

                                           You'll live.

*

Should I ask them to spend the night?