Howard Firkin
There’s nothing to get so upset about.
         (She says she says.)
If I cook tea, you take the garbage out.
The extras are the icing on the cake.

We only share the bathroom—not the soap.
         (She says she says.)
We’ll keep it clinical and clean, I hope,
and mop up any little spills we make.

Our bedrooms are our own affairs, unless
         (she says she says)
they’re simply too much of a bloody mess,
or other occupants are kept awake.

So make yourself at home. You’re on your own.
         (She says she says.)
I’ll leave your messages next to the phone.
You write down any calls for me you take.