The Suitor
He’s coming to dinner.
All the women
fussing over this and that.
Irritating.
I sit in my chair
pretending
to read my paper,
eavesdropping.
I feel them
glancing
in my general direction
nervous.
Has a good job
they say.
Comes from a good family.
We’ll see.
He arrives
awkward,
searching for signs
he won’t get from me.
Sit over there, boy.
I can see the terror in his eyes,
hear the tremor in his voice.
Good. Let him squirm.
Doesn’t he know
no one
is just going
to waltz in here
and take
my daughter?
© Patrick O’Neill 2010. All rights reserved
August 3rd, 2010 at 6:51 am
Patrick,
Patrick,
I really like your combination of healthy masculine writing (The Suitor and How a Man Moves). I can relate 100% to the imagery, tone and intent. Nicely done. I appreciate your gift of thought-provoking and inspiring writing.
We’re heading down to Florida this weekend to celebrate my parent’s 60th wedding anniversary with Liz, Julia and her boyfriend, Nick (who has over time finally passed the “Suitor” test).
Best to you and your family, Jim
Jim