Creep Cover

the number of times
I reread something I write
with a nervous laugh.

that was funny, wasn’t it?
I meant that coolly, didn’t I?

so effervescent: she’s like the ice
that makes the liquid in your glass
fizzle and pop
and quench your thirst.

rereading again
that wasn’t funny, was it?
I didn’t sound cool at all, did I?

so overeager: she’s like the ice
that turns the taste of
something special
into something bland.