Writer’s note: This poem is based on an old Russian proverb, literally meaning “I’d like to drink honey with your lips,” which technically means, “it’s too good to be true.”

Her intentions seem pure.
Look at her:
Her smile so sweet. Almost too sweet.
You debate: cringe or smile back?

You’re blinded, looking at her,
By her bright white summer dress
And her bright white teeth,
White as the milk
On boxes of cereal

Then it hits you:
That’s not milk,
It’s glue.
And that grin plastered on her face?
It might be fake too.

So you cringe,
Whispering, to no one in particular,
“I’d like to drink honey with your lips.”