Poem originally published under the name Marla Carlton on September 23, 2016 in Rat’s Ass Review Love and Ensuing Madness
I walk into the club.
I see you at the end of the bar.
I move closer.
You smile.
Your eyes.
Electric.
And I know this is it
so I continue.
You ask me if I want a drink.
You say the words
like you care what I want,
but you are already ordering for me.
Why resist?
You are doing all the work.
The word NO doesn’t escape my lips.
I know what you want to hear.
The way you want to hear it.
I spin a silent web, swirling the vodka on ice.
I would have chosen whiskey
but it doesn’t matter now.
I drink it down.
It’s easier than talking.
Less exhausting.
You want me.
There’s power in that.
We fall into the hotel room.
It’s 2:34AM.
You push me against the wall.
I smile
enthralled by the arrogance.
You tell me to get undressed.
You say the words
like you want me to do it,
but you are already doing it for me.
Why resist?
You are doing all the work.
The word NO doesn’t escape my lips.
I say what you want to hear.
The way you want to hear it.
I stick my tongue down your throat.
It’s easier than talking.
Less exhausting.
You want me.
There’s power in that.
I sink into my thoughts
deeper, until there is no turning back.
And I know this is it.
So I continue
down the path
of least resistance.
You ask me to roll over.
You say the words
like you want me to do it,
but you are already moving my hips.
Why resist?
You are doing all the work.
The word NO doesn’t escape my lips.
I do what you want to do.
The way you want to do it.
Up on all fours, facing the wall.
It’s easier than talking.
Less exhausting.
You want me.
There’s power in that.
I lie on the bed,
the damage is done.
You smile.
Me, distracted by the sound.
A fly.
You ask me what I’m thinking.
You say the words
like you want to hear,
but you are already dozing off.
Why answer?
You are dead to me.
The word goodbye doesn’t escape my lips.
I do what I want to do.
The way I want to do it.
I cover your face with a pillow.
It’s easier than talking.
Less exhausting.
You wanted me.
There’s power in that.
