IN JOE'S BED.

A MAN AND HIS FRIEND AND HIS WIFE

Henry met
his friend Joe
and his wife

Rosina
standing there
in shadow.

Joe yakked on
about things
how his boss

didn't like
his ideas
(Joe's ideas)

how the church
let him down
how his wife's

mother moaned
about him
and his wife

(behind him)
said jack s**t
about her.

Henry liked
Joe's soft wife
imagined

she was scared
to offend
but hinted

by her eyes
looking back
that she'd be

willing to
if Henry
willing too.

Joe yakked on
endlessly
unaware

Rosina
in shadow
was mouthing

how about
you and me?
Henry mouthed

while Joe was
unaware
if you like

us tonight?
She nodded
her assent.

Henry smiled.
Joe talked on
angrily.

Sorry Joe
(Henry said)
I must go.

Don't forget
what I said
Joe added.

Henry went.
Joe walked on.
Rosina

in shadow
like a dark
assassin

followed him
waiting for
Henry's call

while Joe was
out at work.
She watched her

husband's back
as he walked
just ahead

musing on
cool Henry
and soft her

in Joe's bed.