"Victory" [by Chelsea Reilly]

We are tired of washing things
so we quit our jobs and travel
making out and littering wildly.
We survive on winnings
from hot dog-eating contests
and also, hot dogs.
I smell like sauerkraut.
I think you still love me.
You grow cocky and enter
any competition you can find.
Spelling bees.
Triathlons.
Fishing derbies.
We can’t lose.
All our fathers
Are finally proud.
I tell you I want to settle down,
build a castle for our trophies.
You build a glass display case
and strap it to my shoulders.
I accidentally leave it behind at a rodeo.
You burn my eyelashes.
When I finally win Miss Teen USA
I am immediately disqualified
because of my age and marital status.
The judge snaps my tiara
and hands you the pieces.
You glue them together
and crown the runner-up.
She nuzzles your chest.
You propose and everyone cheers,
even though she is only fourteen and
I am standing RIGHT THERE.
Like any disgraced pageant queen,
I am gracious.
I shake her hand and hope
it rains for the rest of her life.

-- Chelsea Reilly