he was late
to pick up on the signs, sure,
but very early to the party.
some things he got and others--
well, the apartment was small.
when someone took a bath,
it was obvious. the water churned
through the walls, across metal,
in pipes too old to talk about.
so, when anyone took a bath--
when Mia disappeared 46 minutes
before everyone was to show,
"she has to freshen up," Craig said
fatly, his tone full of knowing, the guest,
he knew what was happening: the walls
came alive with the thrush of liquid
forced up or down; everywhere.
and Mia must be in that room
with the bath, losing her clothing.