Though Frankly I Am Tone Deaf: Emi, Jackie

May 1, 2020, Kate Belew With Emi, Jackie (New York City)

My roommate is writing an ode to ovulation 

and so I will learn to play the piano, this time. 

I have been dreaming in arpeggios 

though frankly I am tone deaf

and so everything sounds like one long 

list of erroneous emblems I've given away

like eggs (in a basket) or something less wholesome;

virginity, the book I lied about reading, and 

the look on their face when I tell them I'm leaving,

I'm swimming with the taste of apple in my mouth.