126

Isabella is on the bed and he
Is watching her, looking down.
What you want for me to do,
She says. There is a double of
The electric light suspended
In the dark undrawn window.
There is a double of Pierrot
In the glass, still in his coat,
Still bleary and cold from the
Street. He gestures uncertainly
As if about to speak. She says,
Is no more money, no extra.
She touches his arm. He says
Slowly Pretend like you love me.
Please. She looks at him, mute,
And they begin to remove each
Other's clothes. There is a lit
Cigarette in the ashtray and
The smoke uncoils above them.

She is crying and he is holding her
By the shoulders where she lies.
As if he is holding her in place.
They barely touch, he is almost
Crouched above her body, holding
Her as she shakes and she cannot
Look at him. I'm sorry, she says.
She reaches for the dying cigarette.