Alan Elyshevitz 

Now, you say, you’re in love
with a blunt face and a blue dress.
She has licked many envelopes and ice cream.
The torque of her tongue is every man’s dream.

The best man you could be
observes from a distance as you wash her car,
while on fertile ground drenched in soap bubbles
spilled from your bucket, a grasshopper drowns.

The best man you could be
observes from a distance as you empty her cartons
of sour milk, as you hammer something into the shape
of itself, as you twist a light bulb into a socket.

The best man you could be
knows how susceptible you’ve become,
ex-patriot from your true desires,
homesteader on her beleaguered bed.

Sending regrets,
the best man
you could be
plans to avoid
your wedding.

 
Alan Elyshevitz is a poet and short story writer from East Norriton, PA. His poems have appeared most recently in Snail Mail Review, Sliver of Stone, and Tidal Basin Review. In addition, he has published two poetry chapbooks: The Splinter in Passion’s Paw (New Spirit) and Theory of Everything (Pudding House). Currently, he teaches writing at the Community College of Philadelphia.