steal this

she used
to put cookies out
for her burglar.
a glass of milk
too.
sometimes, she
leave him
a note asking
him, on the way
out, to please
set a bag of trash
by the curb
for pick up in
the morning.
he didn't steal
much, sometimes
a ring, a bracelet,
cash if it was
on the counter,
but then he'd
feel guilty
and put it back
the next time he
was in the neighbor
hood.
sometimes she'd
wait for
him at the top
of stairs
as he came through
the kitchen
door using the key
she'd leave under
the mat that said
wipe your feet.
he ease himself in
with his bag,
and black mask
pulled down.
she often wondered
what he looked like,
how handsome he
must be. he loved
stealing from her,
and she loved
being stolen
from. they
were perfect
for one another.