Switzerland in the Basement (Die Schweiz im der Keller)

This place is not neutral

I can remember the fires

willing me to remove my leather armor

so little like orange fur

and the cushions of the couches held on by

Velcro peeling off and scratching my back

with only the covering of a

slinky camisole working to its best effect

to entice you

I can remember the bagels, the cough drops, and the tea

and your arms and my pants

no, no place filled with so much angst can ever be

‘neutral,’ yet there it is,

the place you’ve suggested and I can’t say otherwise

held in response mode once more

(May 9th, 2008)