A Cheese Omelet at Midnight
You can’t ever leave without saying something,
no matter how insipid. That sweater looks good
on you. It’s supposed to rain tomorrow. I’m sorry
I burned the omelet. Nasdaq has plunged 3%
since last week. And I, in return, can’t let you go without
replying in equal measure. It matches your eyes. I love
to smell rain in August. That cheddar was delicious.
Maybe I’ll start a savings account. Next month.
So I wash dishes when you’re gone, wipe down the
counters, pour salt into the shaker, grab a book, join my
cat in bed. This tune’s been overplayed, the grooves’re
worn down. Maybe next time I’ll say what I mean,
tell you what I want: It would look better in a heap
on the floor. How about a shower here, tonight? Kiss
me and I’ll never think of it again. I don’t give a rat’s
ass about the stock exchange. Step away from that door!
I’ll make your lunch, butter your 7-grain toast, assemble
your IKEA furniture, balance your books, even dye
my hair pink, tattoo a pig on my thigh and drink light beer
in your honor, if you would agree to say what’s on your
mind. On second thought, don’t. Tell me, instead,
what I want to hear, but make it heart-felt. Truthful
and direct. Poached but earnest. Hard-boiled but tender.
I’ll cook your eggs. Invest in me. You’ll earn interest.
* * *
This originally appeared in August 2015, as the 25th offering in the Tupelo Press 30-30 fund raiser. Thank you, Pleasant Street, for sponsoring this.
Beautiful and sweet. Thanks for sharing it.
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Thank you!
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So good- really captures the complexities of human interaction
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And many of us are much better at not interacting…
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Most of us, after a while…
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“drink light beer
in your honor”
Now that’s dedication! But oh, the sacrifices we make!
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It would be a huge sacrifice. But love will do that…
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Wow. Love it.
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Thanks, Jeni. This was a fun one to write.
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One of my favourites, Bob! “Step away from that door!” – wow, can’t think of the last time someone said something like that to me, assertive and desirous at the same time – you really know how to capture what really wants to be said and heard. Poems like this are so freeing!
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I’ve been a poor communicator my entire life, but am striving to improve. It’s difficult, but ultimately freeing, as you put it, to state your mind. A work in progress…
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This looks so cute.
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Thank you!
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Wonderful musing
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Thank you, Derrick. A fun one to write!
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So cool–still love this one
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It never would have been written if not for you. Thank you!
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De nada–I am your biggest fan. But not in that creepy kind of way
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Ha!
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😛
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*snaps uncontrollably*
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I hope in a good way… 🙂
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Mais bien sûr!
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