I can explain
queen and jack of hearts missing from harlequin deck
warranty cards filled out with misplaced intentions
buttons never sewn back on
coffee-stained application to Barnum & Bailey school
ruby earrings never taken from their box
scattered dice and a rundown pocket watch
But don’t ask about the red leather glove
or postcards marked Cyprus, Beirut and Berlin
else I would have to explain one summer abroad
sticky nights filled with hash and ouzo
and dominant blondes— salt rubbed wounds
cut of Mediterranean winds