the cat's away

with her husband

in intensive

care with four stage

cancer,

lingering

at the hospital

on a ventilator, she tells

me on the phone

that she's getting ready for

her date.

she sends me a picture

of her in a cocktail

dress

above her knees,

her low-cut blouse,

and heels.

her hair, teased.

i'm exhausted she tells me

from being

at the hospital all day,

but i really like this new

guy,

he's picking me up at my

house

at eight.