Today I wondered...
as the shrews wagged tongues.
Seated alone in my room, hearing my name;
watching my dog's mouth form vowel sounds
I wished I understood.

Toying with the shadows in the room --
naming them; wondering which food created
grease spots on those blue, blue walls.
Wondering if her colchoneta was worth it
as he lied to me.

I'm a lone child, eyes stinging,
waiting to be picked for the team.
Nicole, I cry.  Nicole, Nicole, Nicole!
Bitch, tramp, whore!
The women he wants otra vez.

I read her name over and over
and over.  Write it next to his;
scratch it out and write it again.
And hear those shrews laughing.
loud enough for my ears.

Estas loca, he says.  She's just a
friend. I see a circle of friends
throwing daggers at my heart
laughing, laughing, merrily
killing me inside as my dog licks my tears.