for RBC

after the Iscariot boys leave
we’re alone again in the dining hall
yr arms now thorny branches
Villafrancas bursting from yr overhang

I pluck a ripe sample
from the tip of yr middle finger
sinking my teeth through rind into a glistening pulp

laughter sputters from yr knotted mouth
the waiter says welcome home my exiled beauty
boiling water cupped in his palms

you adjust the folds in yr gown
studying the menu as would any debutante in transit
grainy eyes rolling you announce
I know what I want
I reply I don’t