1499Z27

You paid to get

rid of a few problems.

I paid to get rid

of a few kids.

You paid to get rid of a few

problems.

I paid to get rid of a few kids.

But.

But.

But.

But.

But.

But. Until it sounds mature.

But.

But.

But.

I never loved you more

than when your belly

asleep with life

touched my hands,

when you lied to me about

where you were,

when you were talking to

that father I never was,

when you cried in my bed,

when you said you couldn’t stay,

when you asked me to watch

your dogs and you signed it

with a heart,

when you said all your friends

are deadbeats,

when you finished the bottle,

when you told our mutual friend

I was a slump,

when you choked me,

when you finished another bottle.

–

But.

But.

But.

But.

Until it sounds mature.

But. But. But. But. But. But. But.

But. But. But. But.

Lizzie was also a drunk.

And a sentimental kisser.

But I don’t remember her,

just peddling through Louisville

on Franklin’s bike

sick on whiskey and beer

trying to get another score.

All these years

and I still keep a bottle

by the bed to remember

the time you

took a shot

while you rode me.

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