Pledge of Pearl by Melina Raven Maness Dieboldtension
sweat-drips
velvet-box
in left pocket
clammy palms
clutching
in sync
with lips
practicing
script
she
arrives
café on the corner
her favorite
fumbling fingers
open box
pause
for
perfect timing
orders her meal
angel-hair
like hers
wait still
drink comes
diet soda
aspartame
stained lips
finger
touches gold
a tiny circle
that means
so much
placed
in palm
and down
one knee
touching tile
Will
(gulp)
you
(gulp)
marry
(gulp)
me
(gulp?)
Quiet
waiting
pearl catches
affirmative tear
the pledge
home
now
on her finger02/25/2003 Posted on 02/26/2003 Copyright © 2025 Melina Raven Maness Diebold
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