we need to have a talk, she says

we need to talk,

she tells me, after we make love

in the morning.

almost rolling off the bed

in the frenetic

tumble.

about what?

i ask her, lighting a cigarette

and blowing

a set of smoke rings

towards the ceiling.

about us.

what about us?

i don't think it's working out,

she says,

untangling her hair,

and

wiping the sweat off her brow.

but,  i tell her.

we just made love

for over an hour.

my heart is still beating

like a rabbit.

i know, she says. i know.

but i was thinking of someone

else the whole time.

i reach over and put the cigarette

out in an ashtray.

yeah, i tell her,

me too.

you're right.

maybe we should split up and

go our separate ways.

i'll take the dog,

and you take the cat, okay?

deal, she says,

and shakes my hand before

getting up to take a shower.