Autumn McClintock The 2River View, 9.2 (Winter 2005)
Propriety

There’s only so much you can do
with a broken fishing rod and a dead sister,
you said to me over charred salmon.
It wasn't charred on purpose but the marinade

still tasted good. I think,
tonight, after smiling politely
I'll leave all the pleasantries behind
and kiss you on the wet mouth

with my wet mouth. How long, after all,
do I have inside this man’s body?
I’m a little drunk and have been reading
too much lately to realize

the foolery of lips after fish dinner.
Your blouse is tight around your pudgy middle,
an invitation to stick a finger in
up to the second knuckle. How you’d giggle.

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