In the Gym

“Hello, ladies.”

Coach’s daily greeting

and he’s not addressing Vanessa.

Partner up

spin drill, shoot the tube,

take down, hip heist, sprawl.

Tired.

Distracted.

Reeking.

The stink of

last night’s Jack,

this morning’s sweat

ignored by Coach when he demos

a punishing arm drag.

Hot breath in my face,

mat burn on my elbow,

a gasping glance

at the clock.

Caught.

“Quit being a pussy, Brenda.”