Because you are younger than me
            you have fungus growing on your back

Because you are older than me
            you live in Texas and vote Republican

Because you imitated me driving
            you told me I look like a million bucks
            you thought I’d be a “helpmate”
            you kissed me without asking

Because you will not tell me what’s wrong
            you are keen and leering at the same time
            I forget to hold your hand
            you are too kind and gangly, just like my brother

Because I had a dream we married
had two dark-haired children and
then you left us with no explanation

Because you make me feel like I have fallen into the pigpen like Jim did, right up to his neck and Aunt Betty-Rose had to hose him off outside the house and even after a bath, he still stunk

Because my girlfriend shook her head “no” behind your back