bad boyfriends v. 2.0

men who are never
in love (until she
is out of love)

who never have time
(until she does not)
who climb mountains

in distant places,
to find themselves (when
they’re far from her.)

then write a memoir
lamenting how bad
their girlfriends were.

Gig Economy

In Vero Beach, the old gigolos wear plaid and khakis,
they drive SUVS, they recycle,
they say thank you and please,
really they are such nice guys
until the scam’s done.
Women never learn, the cops say,
women should know better.

Afterward, the old gigolos share a bottle of
Johnny Walker Blue and smoke Cuban cigars.
She was damaged goods, the gigolos say.
She was nothing.

I’ve heard about the ring in Florida, but
that doesn’t mean it’s the only game.
I should check Washington, Oregon, California
Anywhere women are lonely, and
really, everyone should know better.

————

Carla Sarett’s recent work appears or is forthcoming in Third Wednesday, Prole, Halfway Down the Stairs, Bluepepper, and elsewhere; and her essays have been nominated for Best American Essay and the Pushcart Prize. Her comic novel, A Closet Feminist, will be published in 2022 by Unsolicited Press. Carla lives in San Francisco.