I have to write a paper.

Instead

I make narrative mix tapes

(Which, I swear, is an assignment!)

Because it gives me pleasure.

I spent hours doing this,

The songs tell a story of 

Longing

And leaving

From a woman’s point of view

And from a man’s.

Horses abound.

I printed the song list on 

Bright pink

Card stock.

I thought about giving you a copy,

And I know you would love it

If you listened to it

But these days you think I’m nuts,

And what’s nuttier than a woman

Who keeps giving unwanted gifts?

“Nothing”

Is the answer.