once again..

I knock on Dr. Starr's door.
Voices inside fade to black.
Despite the rumples,I reach
for some semblance of pride.

Come in, calls Dr. Starr,
but my slippery hand fumbles the knob
and it's Dad, on the far side of the door,
who opens it, pulling methrough and right up against
him. It's the closest we've ever been
two strangers touching.

Immediately he comes to his senses
jerks backwards,every muscle tenses,
as ifI might try to hug him or something
perverse like that

"Hello, Dad,"also shifting into a quick reverse.

Will you please come inside and close the door?
Mom gives me a cold once-over.
I see you haven't learned to care for your clothes..

My face ignitesand words stream from my mouth
before I could stop them
"And I see you're still a supreme bitch."

She doesn't even blink.
Even a female dog wants her puppies clean and wrinkle free-
unless, of course, she's a Shar Pei.



Touche.