Some shade of red, crossword clue

in a best western off the freeway

we left the polyester curtain bedspread,

like philistines; my little “red” emoji heart

ajar

five letters down, not the color

of my mahogany bodycon but brighter and

mostly all over the towels, some on your fingers:

like lipstick,

but animal.

We painted room 249 with

an alloy tang, your hand at my throat

your hand restraining mine

I became a salmon

took the bait,

a trick of “red” five letters down

the sheet, oh after oh, some stain

for the maids to recognize

some unanswered emoji kiss

tomorrow and the next tomorrow.

photography by mona kuhn