Tonight's Poet Corner: Try Again

Try Again
by Belinda Roddie

You said it yourself: a lack of control
is what keeps you playing the game she's
programmed. All the cheats and codes
she's buried inside are there to lead you
to her happy ending. It doesn't matter
which color button you press, or what
sad letter on the keyboard you smash
with shaking thumbs. Your hands will
get sweaty, but her lips will stay pressed
against your shoulder blade, too close to
the vulnerable spot on your neck. The
princess always gets her knight. She
fractures his armor with a kiss and a
laugh. You've tried every available
option, but there's no alternative path
in this plot. If only you knew when to
quit. If only you knew when to
quit. If only you knew when to
quit.