Reaching out
After an uncomfortable silence
I exclaim,
"Give me your hand".
She proffers it tentatively,
Suspiciously.

"What ARE you doing?"
She queries
As I turn her palm up,
Examining it at length.
As she tries to pull away I explain -
I am reading your palm.

She giggles (in spite of herself).
"Do you see this line?". She nods.
It indicates good health.
And this one prosperity.
Your life-line however....
(Her brow furrows as she leans in).

Your life-line tells me implicitly
That if you don't shut the hell up
About me incinerating the steaks,
You will not reach your next birthday!
Grinning, she nods,
Obviously seeing the same thing.

10/27/2005

Author's Note: A perfect B.B.Q. reputation should not be sullied by one isolated, margarita-induced, misstep.

Posted on 10/27/2005
Copyright © 2024 Terry Olynik