he brags about the prostitute
that didn’t charge him
because he is a college administrator
an important man
even more so in his own eyes
and his wife
well that’s just the kids
he gets his love
other places
his chest swells
his eyes twinkle
his lip curls onto itself
he’s like my barber
who pines for love
as he looks out at passing girls
his view of marriage
is the same
it’s just kids
I try to understand
this phenomenon
different social classes
the same view
of marriage
of love
it seems to be widespread
you’re in love until you marry
then you have kids
and look for love elsewhere
in the US
I heard it from women too
the need for space
self-fulfillment
something it seems
is lacking in couples
nowadays
but here women are more accommodating
pick up after the men
cook their favorite meals
flush their toilets
and pretend you don’t notice
the wandering eyes
it’s about values
ultimately
what is important
and how much you give
what you expect in return
and me
I’m on the wrong planet
I’d ask to be beamed up
but there’s no ship waiting
so instead I’m looking seaward
for ships on the horizon
ready to take me
into the sun