Sunday, September 6, 2009

the one with the collar

the one
with the collar
is the one
who gets to go
to the jail
and talk to
the lady cop
who booked
her
almost
2 years ago now
imagine
and she still
remembers
although
the lady cop
sees only the collar
and is not mean
this time

the one
with the collar
is the one
who gets
all the information
and assures
the husband
it will all be ok
slow, but ok
nerve-racking, but ok
cost a little money, but ok

the one
with the collar
realizes
as she slides
the white notched
plastic
into place
that this
is their life now
naps interrupted
with emergencies
Saturday nights
interrupted with
crises
much needed self-care
interrupted
with
much needed other-care

the one
with the collar
is tired
hormonal
slightly sick
but must keep
the collar handy
more calls to make
tonight
to get a loved one
out of jail