Preparing Conversation

  by Chris Dietz
 
The 'aha' moment 
packaged
tete a tete
she'll go
then he'll go
then I'll go--touché
 
I am bound to get it right
I am bound to resolve this equitably
I am bound to come out ahead
 
Look at me
travesty
 
This is what we call
relationships
half of it takes place
elsewhere--in my head
 
Sink the ship
fire torpedoes
phasers on stun
no hold backs
no give backs
 
This time
I get it right
more:  I get it perfect
slink my way
through relationships
like a dugong
swimming in its own feces
more of a puffer fish, I guess
covered in spines
ready to inflate
ready to prick