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.