lost in the crowd of strangers
caught between the lit cigarette and the coffee table
I’m surrounded by eager people who want my name
to tell my story, where I came from
sweat rolls down as I stare into my drink
give them a story they’ll believe

be a bachelorette for them
fake it till I make it bachelorette
wine and dine them bachelorette
and none of them will ever know
who or what I’ve left behind

glancing in the corner, I fear he’s near
his followers blend in and put on their manners
they’re polite when ordering drinks for others
then turn around and slap the cuffs on to haul them away
still sweating, I’m breathing into my glass
breaking out a smile as I play a new role

be a bachelorette for them
fake it till I make it bachelorette
wine and dine them bachelorette
and none of them will ever know
who or what I’ve left behind
licking my lips, I cock my head
giggle and flirt with anyone in my face
not one senses the fear buried deep in me
as we joke about the weather and politics
pretending the world isn’t crumbling before our eyes
it’s all good till they ask my name
and I play the same song and dance I’ve been playing
since I got here

be a bachelorette for them
fake it till I make it bachelorette
wine and dine them bachelorette
and none of them will ever know
who or what I’ve left behind

as the lights go out, I hit the road
with no clue where it will lead me
only a few dollars in my pocket
and a story to sell the next time
someone asks me for my name

be a bachelorette for them
fake it till I make it bachelorette
wine and dine them bachelorette
and none of them will ever know
who or what I’ve left behind

for now, I’m a bachelorette
going from state to state
city to city, town to town
living it up with everyone
desperate to forget the interesting times
we’re surviving in

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Cithara Patra currently lives in NC. They’ve written for a few literary journals including Poetries in English, Instant Noodles, and 50 Word Stories. In their spare time, they travel, solve logic puzzles, and check out local restaurants.