Unreliable

Auto-flush is like

an unreliable lover.

When dancing the hurried jig of cathartic need

you hurry quickly through throngs of traffic to relieve

yourself of nature’s plight, your

bloated balloon of a bladder ready

to burst,

And upon finally reaching the porcelain circle

a promise of support (unless it’s been used by many

in a brutal, unforgiving fashion,

then you’re better off standing on your own),

the eternal ring vows to provide a stable, consistent

release for all that you wish to let go,

Yet,

before cheek meets ring and ring meets skin

there is a loud swoosh and instead of solid

matter, you are kissed by unsolicited liquid

of another’s poor decisions.

Or,

if this not be the case,

if you successfully sit, with a moment of relief

then stand, you are accosted by the

fact that there was no release,

what you left has been left

for you to see

But,

there are also times when all goes well

and your confidence in the way

things work between you and

the throne is nothing but

confirmed.