bestseller

yeah I read it
once
but I was young
and
unembarrassed

then I saw him
read it
and was embarrassed
for both of us

you know how when
you first get
involved
get obsessed
and neglect
all your friends

it’s not like that
any more

—I guess that’s the bar

and I don’t like
that bar

the truth is
I get benefits

the truth is
I wanted to work on stuff that
I wanted to work on

—I love that about you

okay so this might not be
right just now:

it’s so hard to enjoy
August

—there are only so many summers

yes
and it feels like
I’m staring through
the window
past
the protagonist

—all while
the real thing

is held within

—yes

held within
and looking out