friends

can't we just
be friends, she
says, putting on
lipstick, spritzing
her neck with
perfume before
heading out
for the evening.
can't we
just be pals,
buddies, have heart
to heart talks
and have dinner
once in awhile
without the
complications of
intimacy. i tell
her, okay, i
guess so, but
what will we tell
the kids.