They couldn't teach me modesty
where I grew up.
Do you think I'll learn it here?
Humility is the brazen truth straightforward.
No rings or makeup, perfume, bells,
pretty cloth, or approval is needed.
I can't slow down, we are too good
to be true!
When you meet her, find out her name.
It doesn't matter what she says;
you already see she's beautiful.
But ask for her voice too--
any excuse is good enough.
One day we'll get it: there is no reason
for sharing.
Ask her to talk about where she's from,
what she likes.
Get to the meaty parts and don't stop there.
Maybe she already understands,
and she'll ask you.
Untrammeled flattery going both ways
can turn into praise.
One thing leads to another.
What will you lead to?
Start small; pick up speed.
Take a crash-course in ecstasy.
This joyride ends only in oblivion.
If you're going to hell in a handbasket,
why go alone?
Invite a friend. Take the scenic route
that goes through heaven.
Pick up souvenirs for the kids.
The steering wheel in your hands isn't connected,
and the brakes never worked.
The seatbelts are just for show--
there's nowhere they click in.
Get on the gas--some crazy man is
coming up fast from behind!
See how it goes?
You think it's one thing; it's another.
You ask where she's from
so she can remind you
of home.
If she doesn't know,
you'll be sharing a secret
instead of sitting alone.
Look into her eyes. Let your smile out.
She won't bite.
With beauty, there's always humor.
Behind smooth skin, wrinkles.
Give it time, or don't.
You'll hide or not hide, but she'll catch you.
She needs a good laugh.
Laughter goes well with candlelit dinners,
roses, sunsets, old women whose eyes
crinkle at the corners and see the world
as it is.
There is a knowing touch
that responds to the presence within you.
It is the same presence within me.
Copyright 2007 Todd Mertz