Ugly spider dog
“yuck.”
      “That’s the woman from the Lebanese place around the corner.”
Stiffening
Stomach drops, breathe catches.
Guilt weighs in
Sickening shame.
As he opens the door
Turn around to peek
Did she see me?
In my bright summer dress
Shoulders bare, back exposed
With another boy
Dark skin, wild eyes.
She sits on the stoop looking after us, her eyes a mystery.
Head in her hands –
She looks away.

There is no such thing as love.