THE MAD GIRL, NOW WITH TIME FREE, JUST MAKES LISTS OF WHAT SHE SHOULD DO, NEEDS

by Lyn Lifshin

tryptophan,
bioflavinoids
one to sleep
so she won’t
lie listening
to the phone
that doesn’t
ring, one to
get rid of
where bruises
rose where he
touched her.
Even just his
voice on the
air makes dark
roses bloom
past her elbow.
She needs
something,
vinegar to
douche his
lips from
nightmares