"dinner with My harpist"

February 11th, 2026

CC0 Public Domain Designation

By Ryan Kendrick

using his fingers; tickles the rips,

plucking loose nylon strings

from My polka-dot tights.             he’s a harpist.

i gulp the red wine   poured down my pink crusted throat

and when it’s time;  i swallow so he forgets how young i am.

i remember his kids    in single file behind me    but,

he said,  My kindness is wise,  and  he likes,     My  big,  dilated eyes.

i turn to show him,      utensils are used from outside in;  and it's time

for the last bite    and i’ve not spit anything out.   

he doesn’t kiss me   but,    i don’t mind,   he doesn’t kiss his kids either.

harpist?  for   devouring.  outside-in.  call me good!    

Using his fingers, he began to collect

the crumbs on My plate   Placing-

tickling the rips    of our gums.

but still, I was       so very hungry! I started

biting his nails       i extracted each down  to the quick.

and as his finger’s bled   red  

oh My,            i began to spit everything up.