You look worn, like a mattress
at a youth hostel.  It means
you don't take compliments
like a dry pap smear; that's hot.

If you say yes to going out with me,
I promise not to be one of those
claw machines, where I want you
to be all hands, no satisfaction.

I will dress like hope, open the door
for you like the mouth of an alligator
with bad dental hygiene, talk to you
like a rigged game of Russian roulette.

I will wear anthrax like lipstick
so if you like kissing me,
we have the quarantine
to really get acquainted.

So how about Friday night, 7 pm?
I'll be the one forgetting the Bible
because to know you biblically,
I can only believe in you.