Just Nickels

by Ryan Hardgrove

Wake up early
watch her dress before work
without glasses
a fog of flesh and fabric
go down stairs
after she leaves
feel for the bathroom switch
her fragrance lingers
hesitates
wants to stay
with me
within the home

Stare at the toilet
the porcelain
marshmallow yellowed
browned in the bowl
flush
soap
water
smile
don’t smile
yeah, don’t smile
you look better that way
you look real

Want to get some things done today
get gas
apple juice
cigarettes
coffee
find a roach amongst
the pebbles strewn
across thin upholstery
beneath my feet
            feel for a lighter
            between the seat
            and the door
only sticky nickels
no lighter
no dimes
no quarters
just nickels