Bowie’s Cha Cha Cha Cha Changes
is playing in the background.
I’m with Ben and Annie drinking
gin and tonics on a day so hot
we put ice cubes In our shoes,
so hot we keep drinking –
in my studio apartment with its
8 X 10 window and no air conditioning –
past the point of speech, let alone
conversation. Ben is looking at Annie.
Annie is looking back. Her make-believe
striptease turns real. My mind melts
into three shades of red. Words refuse
to form. I use my fists. I’m on Ben.
He is a large man, but I leave bruises.
He shows me the next day. I try to laugh
it off. Annie is passed out on the floor.
Ben steps over her and out the door.
Everything has cha cha cha changed
for good.
Rust Belt Review Issue #6
Winter 2021