Let's Run Errands

Because there is nothing
more romantic than checking out your
groceries together, handing over

the bunch of broccoli, followed
by the box of Sleepytime tea.
What adds to the romance

is bringing the kids along.
We'll indulge in the sounds
of their whines: "Are we done yet?"

Nevermind that most of the shit
in the shopping cart is for them—
and it's not even a holi- or birth-day.

It just feels more responsible
to spend your money on them
instead of the Doc Martins you need.

Maybe things will get crazy
inside the Burger King dining room,
where you'll have a moment for you

two, where Kid A is in the bathroom
and Kid B refills their Dr. Pepper and
you reach over to touch my face,

and I lean into this moment but
feel air, as you show me the chicken
nugget crumb you've pulled from my beard.