Hostels

 

by Mary Paterson

 

Hostels

 

My friend says that hostels are free.

My friend says they share the bow-legged

dogs like props, for better begging.

 

I too

lie for money.

 

Just this morning

I was fully committed to meeting quarterly targets.

I have been passionate about sustainability

for twenty years.

 

The trick

is to kiss the words at the moment of speaking them,

like wishes.

 

The air is thick

with such affections;

each one a perfect

oily sphere.

 

Look.

I know you can see through it

but don’t pretend it doesn’t change the shape of things.