(after Craig Finn)
“A Bathtub in the Kitchen” is not a song
to listen to when you’re worried you forgot
to grow up, when your meds are wrong—
not unless you want to wallow and have got
no place to be where your red eyes
would give you away. It’s the kind of tune that picks
scabs and leaves you staining the furniture. Guys,
check this out—you whisper, throat thick
with unshared sorrow. You’re trying to cut
back on alcohol, but pour yourself a little
something to lift the mood. Sunday regrets
sag your pockets. This is a familiar battle
you never win. Monday you’re alive, at least,
the song safely back at the bottom of your playlist.