affair

i live between two poems

iron out frustrations from uniforms,

sprinkle sighs on endless breakfasts,

clear up dishes, think of lunch,

wash clothes, get homework done,

shut windows to mosquitoes,

fluff pillows for my kid’s head.

sneak back downstairs, pick up

dishes, toys, books, a half-eaten apple,

and eat what’s left on kiddo’s plate.

if the mythical lover shows up,

i turn into an orange blossom scented houri,

if he doesn’t, i let a cup of assam seduce me,

and when the whole city is quiet,

and moonlight has settled on my pillow,

i’m armed with an ink-filled waterman,

i begin a raging affair with poetry.