heartbreak hotel in addressing the public

checking in
you are the object of envy.
prize winners know that lose-your-mind grin.

on the clock, we both know that we’re only pretending
that you could truly love me or find me that interesting.

and when your day is done
you’ll find another one.
you’ll visit hundreds tonight in their dreams.
and it must make you tired
to be so desired—
a paragon of goodness in all their fantasies.
but i’ll return to mine,
remember laughter in your eyes,
await another night of playing make believe.