Pretending

She was pretending

Like she didn’t know the rules

Or the games

She was pretending

Like she didn’t like the wetness down her cheeks

Or the soft touch and glare

She was pretending

Like she didn’t want the grapevine sessions

Or the dripped-dry laundry lines

She was pretending

That she didn’t know the lies

Or want to know about the words

She was pretending

That she didn’t hear the songs I sang

Or see the paintings I painted

She was pretending

Not to smell the fresh air

Or see the sun glare every day

She was pretending

That she was leaving me

Or that she hated me

She was pretending

To ignore me

Or that phones rang

She was pretending

That her laughter was for me

Or that reality is here

She was pretending

To enjoy the silence

Or want the noise

She was pretending

Not to play the answering machine

Or admit to the wants

She was pretending

And that’s all I have to say

© 1998 David Greg Harth

98.07.29.02:13:48@NJ07430Mahwah