Larry O. Dean

Confessional

Sometimes I pee in your bathroom.

I turn on the faucets

and the rushing water helps me get done

fast. I like the sound of your toilet

flushing; my own is nothing

to write home about.

In fact, it's kind of slow, and draggy.

I asked the landlord to fix it

but he has “bigger fish to fry.”

I always pay my rent on time; but no.

Your door was open. It's a secure

building but I double-lock mine.

You can't be too careful. Once

I stepped into your tub; those colorful

sea life decals really made my day.

I took off my shoes first. I wished

I could have taken a bath then

and there but I got scared;

I jumped out and grabbed

my shoes and when I saw my

reflection in the mirror I was

as white as a ghost. I won't do that
again. Your soap smells nice.

Larry O. Dean was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. As a young man, he worked with Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore. His latest book of poetry, Brief Nudity, is out now by Salmon Poetry. Find more: www.larryodean.com.