Joanna Gilman Hyde

The Tomato-coloured Couch 7:22pm

The First Room Mate I had in New York City

was a dark-headed guy with something off

in one eye

I answered His Ad in The Village Voice

“share 2bdrm apt. Lower E Side

$230 per mo

call anytime”

I called at six o’clock in the morning

He said I was the first person

to call

I arrived at nine — the appointed time

in My Interview Dress —

navy sheath with cream-trimmed pockets

& V-neck —

His name was Bennett Ram

His phone was ringing off The Hook

He didn’t seem to have anyone else lined up

He kept unplugging & re-plugging His Phone

I sat on His Couch

& met His Chaotic Friends —

one of whom pointed out a maggotty pot of beans & rice

on top of the refrigerator