From Poetic Asides:  “For today’s prompt, write a shady poem. I’ll leave the interpretation of this prompt up to you.  It could be a poem that includes shadows and/or shading. It could be about a shady part of town or a shady person.”


even after the third introduction
you acted like it was the first
a sag nomination for surprise and delight
so warm and controlled
a scene acted over and over again
maybe different cuts to get it just right
new motivation and back story each time
sure, i’ll bite
i made up a new profession
city of origin places i've traveled
interests i’m supposed to have
and you looked so intrigued
laughed in all of the right places
perfect pitch and on cue
bravo bravo!

i was the most interesting man in the world
until your sisters arrived
two of them to be exact
mirror images
a miracle of life
that one egg could split not once
but twice and create trip aces
leaving me holding a pair of deuces
yes, we met him this week
they said in unison flanking you
three flawless fates standing before me
a dream
yet raw nightmare rolled like sushi
garnished with 45 minutes of my
hot wasabi lies
now creeping up my throat
acid reflux that tastes as salty
as shade.