l try not to stand
too close to myself
I try not to listen
to the things I say
They say there's
no such thing
as self-abuse
But you wonder
how l can be trusted
If I'm finely tuned
or well adjusted
Oh, pity about you
Oh, pity about me
Mostly pity about her
Every time
she comes inside
You had to run
You had to run
You wish that crush
would go away
You're not
the only one
Squinting at
broad daylight
Drumming up
a conversation
Parson's brass is
pealing, appealing
Drumming up
a congregation
Hands reaching for
a glass of water
Dry socks and razor rash
Your shoes
under my bed
Dandruff, doon a
cigarette ash
I've tried to play it
open-handed
I've tried to make
a fist of this
Even when the
questions are candid
My arrows miss
I've heard about
your fragile ego
Your shield, your sword
What am I expected to do
Shout Man Overboard
Come around
when I'm asleep
Roll around
try to wake me
That's all right
you've got to go now
Words overtake me
Your pubic hairs
are on my pillow
Your stubble
rings the sink
Your words
under my skin
Your table manners stink
I paddle
in the things l love
You wallow
in a swamp of trivia
In a vase with insincere
l love you's
Next door's
camellias
I'm sick and tired
of this position
Hatched underneath
your arm
Crotch under stress
You're bitter and it's time
I'm bored staring
at the ceiling
While you point out
my faults
I've watched the
wallpaper pealing
From slamming doors
You talk about penis envy
Your friends applaud
What am I expected to do
Shout Man Overboard
Come
across
to other girls
Look around
and start a rumour
jealous wife scenes
raise a smile at parties
Like anal humour
Are you addicted
to attention
Do you do it for effect
You're wet, out of control
misunderstood
and hen-pecked