I take the long, dumb walk to work

I take the long, dumb walk to work, 

Bring my bad attitude and forget my keys and wallet. My new uniform is a gray sweater that doubles as sleepwear. I smoke with my hair down so the smell stays. 

Performing the required movements to remain employed, I lob needless lies at coworkers who dare come my way. I put a stapler in my purse. 

At lunchtime my work-husband claims he no longer likes the salad place we’ve stood in line for every day for six months. suck a dick, I type in the company chat, and watch the cursor blink. 

Back home, I crawl under the covers. My apartment is small enough that I can both shut the door and turn the knob on the stove without removing myself from bed. 

This is helpful for my new lifestyle.


Reprinted from Splashed Things (BOA Editions, 2026) by permission of the author.