The Thought

You're sitting across from someone,
about to drink a glass of white wine

and as you swirl the wine in the glass,
wondering how it will taste on the tongue,

a thought sneaks into your brain, one
you had never entertained before:

What if he's the...? but you don't allow
yourself to finish the thought, prefering to sip

instead remembering to quickly say to yourself:
Of course not; that's silly. Don't be such a silly romantic

After all, you're a firm believer in men and women
being just friends.  Just friends. And nothing more.

And why not? Being both single and straight
doesn't have to lead to wedding rings down the line

This isn't the Austen era of desperate marriage acquisitions;
no need to read more into dinner served at a dimlit restaurant

Over 400 years later, this is the era of security in singleness--
and drinking wine with someone who will remain just friends


Written: 3/14/10