In an effort to reconcile his true feelings
with the rules of genteelism
he told her he would love to go with her to the Department Store.

He walks down the aisles
diligently attentive
knowing aisles are more than aisles
and isles are more than isles
he doesn’t like either very much.

So they spent winter in the Tropics
while he dreamed of wheat and farms
the sweet, welcoming smell of manure
welcoming because it’s honest
and it’s been a while.

So they spent the spring in the Alps
where he dreamed of sweaty Southern sunsets
and he told her
tomorrow
perhaps we should lunch at the Café on the Corner.

Yes?