Monday, September 4, 2017

Anglerfish Love



I followed bioluminescent
deep-sea Google Maps to find
you flashing your tawny
midriff, on which I nibbled
playfully, read you bad poetry
about two becoming one,
before latching on. Best day ever
for a dude, right? freeloading,
hanging out in my underwear
night and day in the TV room,
letting you have your way
with me from time to time—
you know I could never resist
the sweet esca of your illicium—
feed from your fridge, watch
Adam Sandler movies until
my eyes and even limbs fell off.
But, baby, you don’t come around
much anymore, only to complain
about the beer bottles, the sheen
of salt and vinegar chips on my lips.
I see the way you walk the red
coral, now, holding up your light
like a siren to every passing sailor.

(first published in Hartskill Review, 2016)