2001/theory

I have a theory
that on a first
date you should
fall,
if he catches
you a second
date is advised.
If he laughs,
it is not.
Unfortunately,
I formulated
this theory after
I married,
but it’s wisdom
I like to pass on.

I cough in the bookstore,
I have always been
a choker.
The man sitting
across from me
does not look up,
even when it goes
on a nearly-dangerous
length of time.
A few days later
it happens again,
this time another
man is across
from me.
He raises his eyebrows
and looks with a patient
observation,
until I say excuse me,
and then he smiles.
These are the two
kinds of men
women choose
from.

8/1/01