I pretend not to see you pretend not to watch.

But for your benefit, I undress a little slower.
I arch my back a little more so my curves look rounder.
I shake my hair when I let it down (so unnecessary).
I bend lower. I reach further. I pause longer.

From your fourth story window across the courtyard
I must seem so poised, so dramatic.

You've never seen me undress.
You watch the person I pretend to be.

03/24/2006