The Proposal

The Proposal

Mark Coleman

I don't believe in God. But, you better believe, that I'd get on my knees for you. With the way that I drink; supplication comes pretty goddamn easy. I didn't run out. My lips just decided to start trembling. Funny how that works out. The moment that I'm supposed to prove my meddle, the man in me flies south. Asked your friends about the ring, but I probably got it wrong. About to find out from about sixty facets. I should be sitting down. Got to see it through. Got tie it up. Damn knots, guess that scout shit was applicable.

My mind's swearing like a sailor. Second guessing four words. It's not that I don't want to spend the rest of my life with you. The idea just gets stuck in my throat. Well, I'll get in a few strip clubs at the bachelor party. In all actuality, the honeymoon sounds better. Haven't looked this forward to a lay, since my first drunken explorations of the female body. Proves my theory that everything's melancholy.

Mean horseplay, and a girl who should be able to smell you from a mile away. All smiles and winks. Henry Miller in the book bag. A bit of it socializing with D.H. Lawrence in the mind. Despite the fact that you caught one above the eye, and you're bleeding like a mother fucker. Ah, no consideration. Bastard through and through. I don't care who you are those shy giggles and aborted attempts at curtsey will melt your heart. An inexperienced kiss, and then, what seems like a life time, of waiting.

A woman trying to please you with all that she's got. Lacking that something. Built up through year upon year of loneliness and existential soul searching. Try to explain to her that you're a romantic. But come off just sounding like a pussy. Trying to remind yourself that you got here, because you're an asshole. But the years switched the gears, and, if you survive, you kind of just end up settling down with yourself.

But, one day, she walks in the door. The pumice that was liquid in its prime colanders. Running the diamond under the light, you suddenly understand. It's really just a miniature of her. Realize that the misogynist is still kicking. And will kick harder after the settlement. But, right now, he's as dormant as I'm drunk.