Turning Yourself On by Suzy Devere

he says he always understands me
he says all the times i think no one gets me
he gets me

i don't want to argue so i say nothing
leave my tongue prostrate
stuck between these teeth
stuck in this lobster trap of a mouth

of course he understands me
everything i say aloud is
measured with a surgeon's exactitude

no detectable venom
no honey sweet
no piss flaming drink or fiesta fuck

labored words coupled with
body language wrapped in saran
arms stuck to sides like wearing
a straight jacket buttoned with my own
bones

he understands me because i never say

anything

then he says

"baby, you're really turning me on"

and i think

"you're masturbating. i'm not even here."