letter to a potential* lover

you see that bobby pin?
held in my mouth, dangling
like a fly on the end of my
seduced web - that is what i
want you to remember.
the pink hues, determined look.
not a strand out of place.
notice it, but never say it out loud;
smile, sweetheart, smile,
put your hands in your pockets.
ready to go.

i'll watch you: coy smile, quiet lips,
mind always running.
your footsteps are incalculable.
sometimes you'll sidestep
sometimes you'll leap.
but most of the time you are standing still:
guest star on your own talk show,
but the dialogue is mute.
piano keys without strings.

names written in cursive.
dot your t's.
cross your i's.
and remember: i am unreliable.



(*potential: fabricated)