By Maija Haavisto
glossy magazines tout hottest pajama looks
palest facial tones untouched by the savage sun
sexiest sunglasses to match your pillowcase
most stunning impressions left on the mattress
posh ceremonies honor toes touching the floor
heroic ventures to the bathroom
the superhuman strength needed to chew food
best attempts to leave the house
words laboriously uttered: one, two, three
no, that’s enough, please stop, don’t wear yourself out
empty chairs at gala dinners hosting only we’re-there-in-spirits
my cheek caressing the red carpet of the so-called living room
would you spoon more smoothie in my mouth, my darling
I swear the bits of kale taste like finest chocolates in my dreams
next year, every year, in my dreams
I will win the trophy for finest daydreams
moved to tears in my whispered speech
I picture you gently picking kale bits
stuck between my teeth