Lenna Jawdat
I like the burgundy, but whatever you want
After Lost in Translation
Bob--
I’m stuck here renovating our suburban mansion
bored out of my mind
while you’re cavorting with Scarlett Johansson
I’m completely confined
here are all of the swatches I’m considering for your study
100 shades of maroon
I like the burgundy, but honestly, buddy
whatever you want— just get back to me soon.
I can’t believe you left us to fly to Tokyo
...to film a commercial for whiskey?!
It’s really the final blow
— you had to know that leaving was risky
You ditched your son on his birthday
(did you even remember?)
I’m sure he’ll forgive you someday
assuming he doesn’t hear about this bender
you’re on. You’re probably drinking alone at the bar
or chatting with groupies
about some fancy sports car
you drove in your last movie.
I’m fed up with your mid-life crisis
the spending and going out at night
and with this trip you’ve given me a solid basis
for giving my divorce lawyer the green light.
Love,
-L
After Lost in Translation
Bob--
I’m stuck here renovating our suburban mansion
bored out of my mind
while you’re cavorting with Scarlett Johansson
I’m completely confined
here are all of the swatches I’m considering for your study
100 shades of maroon
I like the burgundy, but honestly, buddy
whatever you want— just get back to me soon.
I can’t believe you left us to fly to Tokyo
...to film a commercial for whiskey?!
It’s really the final blow
— you had to know that leaving was risky
You ditched your son on his birthday
(did you even remember?)
I’m sure he’ll forgive you someday
assuming he doesn’t hear about this bender
you’re on. You’re probably drinking alone at the bar
or chatting with groupies
about some fancy sports car
you drove in your last movie.
I’m fed up with your mid-life crisis
the spending and going out at night
and with this trip you’ve given me a solid basis
for giving my divorce lawyer the green light.
Love,
-L
Lenna Jawdat is an Arab-American trauma therapist, yoga teacher and poet from Washington, DC (Nacotchtank / Piscataway land). She has been published in Stone of Madness Press and will be attending Tin House's summer poetry workshop. During the pandemic, she has fostered 5 kittens, read 67+ books, and is practicing radical rest.