Usual Hotel

wonder what she's thinking?
(making love slowly on
a grey Thursday afternoon
sounds of traffic in the street
low moans with rain against the hotel windows)

wonder what she's seeing
(behind those closed and exotic eyes?
breathing deep as my tongue tickles softly)
is it truth or beautiful lies?

wonder what she's feeling?
(moving slowly together
her fingernails tickling the back of my neck
red hair splayed over the pillow)

(wrapped in sheets
blue cigarette smoke lingers)
you seem so unavailable these days
her voice loud in the killing room

me?
(a flick of ash
a lonely bird flies
avoiding buildings and rain)
I'm not the one
who's married, baby

a jab and a feint
our usual dance
a dream and a lie
its all the same
our own lost romance

he means nothing to me
(a short effortless lie)
you know that, baby, I'll leave
it'll be simple, believe me
we could get married

never marry women
poorer than yourself
it's a rule
I don't make exceptions

what about love?
(a smile, a touch but I know
she's giving me no quarter
no chance
and defeat never lessens her blow)

(knowing lobby glances
a smile and a wave to cover the pain)
same time next week?
a hesitant nod and then the cab
disappearing into the rain
so I
disappear into the bar

dreams are fine
but reality matters
the plan is to overcome reality