For Amanda

Pass me the sugar, my dear,

And tell me about your day.

Tell me now, tell me clear,

A story to make my heart stay.

Gruesome tales and ugly scenes

Bubble up over the rims of our cups

As we regale the terrible things

We read in the dark to keep us up.

Did you hear this one, or that one?

Let me tell you of a terrible crime.

I’ll pay your half, give me the sum—

Could we continue this another time?