The crunch of Pringles in my ear—
no, it’s celery—pardon me, but your munch
breaks my concentration.
 
Can’t you see I’m trying
to stay in this plank for two minutes
and still breathe?
 
I’d much rather gulp from the gulf
than have this sweat drip on my lips—
how long has it been?
 
The dog licks my chin and buries
beneath my torso, rolls onto his back
paws up as if this is a fun game.
 
Your laughter doesn’t help at all
even though I make it without dying,
although I feel like playing dead.


© by Laurie Kolp.
Used with the author’s permission.