hypnotist

dampen the banister with a full glass of scotch

say you can’t remember anything without the hypnotist’s pocket watch

grasping for evidence like digging a face out of make-up

hands falling asleep waiting for your lover to wake up.

cleanliness and godliness and these floors are filthy

but you still hold your breath when you drive past the cemetery

eat fallen fruit from trees with limbs hanging over fences

and swear you can’t taste anything if your not wearing sunglasses

smiles all around you when your mood elevates

and cameras kept handy so you can see the look on your face.