The Couple

Moonlight silent they appear,
The two teenagers.
Lovesick and distraught,
They shove the garbage pails aside
Sit down on the bench
And embrace,
Eyes shining in the dark.

I see them through their voices,
Feel them through the windowpane.
She sits on his lap and weeps---
A muffled flute.
"My father doesn't know. He drinks.
My stepmother knows and beats me.
Calls me a slut.
I get dizzy when I stoop.
I can't sleep.
I 'm sick all the time."

She puts his hand on her belly.
"Feel how big.
A chocolate doll is dancing there,
Honey sweet as you.
Pete, what will we do with the doll
When I get out of the hospital?"