Synthetic

The green is all wrong.

It’s the color of a garden hose

or a lawn that nobody mows.

I spilled a drop of water.

The silk turned dark and stayed.

A small, round debt I paid.

The knot is stiff.

It won't drape or lie flat.

It sits on my neck like a cat

that doesn't want to be held.

She’ll ask if I like it.

I’ll say it’s fine.

I’ll keep the lie on the line.