You tried to hold her
but she’s smoke,
which can only be held in your lungs
or on last nights clothes,
which you wore in a small town bar,
where you took a drag from a lipstick stained Marlboro.
Those wet hands didn’t stand a chance
when she pulled at your shirt,
with her god-damned turn-away smile
and fluid hips,
which she rehearsed before her thrift store floor mirror,
laughing at her tempting reflection.
She twists and turns like smoke.
She disappears with a breath.
So hold your words and keep the door shut.
She’ll hand on your clothes,
burn your watering eyes,
she’ll blacken your lungs if held too long.
Let her go boy,
let her go.
Chris Madsen is a former Scout Sniper and US Army Veteran. Read more of his writing here.
What’s happening at VetRep…
Listen to our latest episode with Lois Hicks-Wozniak on the Savage Wonder Podcast, where we interview incredibly talented musicians, artists, writers, and theater professionals, who also happen to be veterans.
Only one more performance of “Dunkirk…and Other Surprises”! Our first show of the season is a feature of seven veteran authored 10-minute plays. Join us for an evening of both drama and comedies, accompanied by dessert and a refreshing mocktail! Seating is limited and shows sell out fast, so get your tickets here.