Oklahoma

Oklahoma

1. I fell asleep waiting for you to return, not realizing you were dozing downstairs.

2. Foxes mate outside; we can hear them scream when we mute the TV during commercials.

3. Last night, you rolled over, threw your arm out, and slapped me in the face without waking.

4. You wanted to dance and I wanted to set the table on fire, but neither of us liked the band.

5. You might think you love desolation, but you’ve never been to Oklahoma.

6. “Talk to me,” she said, “Share.” “Okay,” I said; “How are you holding up?”

7. I’m thinking it’s all been a waste, but then the light changes and I ease forward.

8. It’s not okay to cry on the interstate.

9. Clutter eventually becomes décor.

10. When I was a child, there were coyotes howling in the night. Now?

11. The waiting room thermostat says I’m not cold, so why do I shiver?

12. Somehow, it’s worse that the doctor is attractive.

13. When I close my eyes, I hear commercials.

14. The smell of onions and ice cream remind me of my mother.

15. Someday, it will snow like this in Oklahoma.

16. I wake and you’re holding my hand. I shake you, but you won’t let go.

17. I open the door, snow already blanketing the mangled oak and broken glass in my kitchen.