"Leaving the Motel"

by W.D. Snodgrass

Outside, the last kids holler

Near the pool: they'll stay the night.

Pick up the towels; fold your collar

Out of sight.

Check: is the second bed

Unrumpled, as agreed?

Landlords have to think ahead

In case of need,

Too. Keep things straight: don't take

The matches, the wrong keyrings--

We've nowhere we could keep a keepsake--

Ashtrays, combs, things

That sooner or later others

Would accidentally find.

Check: take nothing of one another's

And leave behind

Your license number only,

Which they won't care to trace;

We've paid. Still, should such things get lonely,

Leave in their vase

An aspirin to preserve

Our lilacs, the wayside flowers

We've gathered and must leave to serve

A few more hours;

That's all. We can't tell when

We'll come back, can't press claims,

We would no doubt have other rooms then,

Or other names.

1968

B period

G period

H period