Erin Wiles Reading Matt Freeman's "I Know What Girls Know"

Erin Wiles was one of several open-mic participants at the January 24 reading at Duff's. Erin is co-editor of Bad Shoe, which generally publishes work by women writers but for its next issue will accept work by men, and Erin read a poem by Matt Freeman that will appear in Bad Shoe.

Bad Shoe is accepting submissions for their next issue until Saturday at midnight. Erin says, "We also take submissions on a continuous basis from the ladies, so anything sent past Saturday will be considered for the next issue.

The next reading at Duff's, 392 North Euclid, will be Monday, February 28, with featured readers Catherine Rankovic, Bob Reuter, and Steve Schroeder. Musical guest will be William Kyle. Advance sign-up for the open-mic following the featured readers is encouraged. Doors open at 7:30; cover is $3.00.

I Know What Girls Know

I had to become the ugly friend—
I owed that much to the universe—

and I was desperate for the phone to ring,
and I dreamt all night after an accidental
breast grazed against my elbow in the
crowded lobby of Powell Hall.

I was hated by hipsters for wearing
my frumpy SLU shirt; I was ridiculed
by hippies for trying to remain chirpy
when I was freaking out; I was hunted
by hoosiers for recognizing how bored
and unhappy their wives were.

When I met Lesbia she touched me first;
she took my hand off the steering wheel
and put it on her inner thigh; I thought I’d die.
And when she asked about my model friend
I knew I had to bring this ship to shore --
it was easy, I just pretended
I didn’t really like her anymore.

-- Matt Freeman