Poetry

Right Before

by

Jeremy Trimble

They’re almost a cute couple—again
Cute by nerd standards
He’s tall and lanky, shaggy blond hair, glasses
And she’s the girl with hair to her thighs
Sharp cheeks, tight jeans and gamer t-shirts
A mole under her right eye—guys always notice

Last night we chatted over the almost-couple
And I argued they’d be back together
Ryan says she still has her pride,

But I watched
They flitted through that party together
Enamored or ensnared, she followed him

She’d slide beside him
Braid his hair
Tickle his feet
And he slept, with his head in her lap
Even though he had a girlfriend

It’s right before
They’re back together

Pretty Ugly Girl

by

Jeremy Trimble

She wears the requisite tank top with little straps
Pointing to her breasts
Required eye shadow
Makes her look bruised
Standard blond
With the burnt roots

Her friends are four and five inches taller
With toned legs that make guys think of swimming in their tans
She’s boney; they think she needs a sandwich
Xylophone ribs: she’s heard the clichés

Her friends have names like Mertiza, Lana, Eris, and Madison
She’s Amanda
Harsh sounds. Last decade’s chic.

They have boyfriends with big arms, dark shades
And pec clinging t-shirts
Muscles outlined in fabric
They bring their girlfriends roses
Shiny stones on chains for their necks, wrists and ankles
And chocolate
And smiles
And everything else she’s supposed to want

Amanda’s boyfriend says, “I haven’t loved you
For two weeks” before he bites her
lip and wanders