tension

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

02/25/2003

Posted on 02/26/2003
Copyright © 2025 Melina Raven Maness Diebold