they're trying to
tempt my soul into
giving in to their claws, but

I will be the only woman
not using a microwave
to jumpstart my heart

I ate chocolate and chips
because I don’t mind being plump
as long as it keeps me away
from people like them

I listen to bits of their
chicken scratch conversations,
letting my feet warm the floor

so hot, I start an earthquake
big enough to suck their
diet confidences down
like a chocolate malt.

08/16/2005