Dinner For Two

I will lay out what I plan to use,

Just as if

Pyrex and stainless steel

Were Chinese silk

And lace.

Behold my wiles.

I love tomatoes

Curved and ripe--

They bear the red of passion,

On their skins

And in their hearts.

My thorough fingers

Slip the layers from an onion,

Like your dress I'll peel away;

Before such pale nakedness

I will sometimes weep unbidden.

I will bake some firm potatoes

Until they slowly soften--

I will leave them steaming helplessly

Inside their humble skins.

I will lay a cut of meat

In a spicy marinade--

Steeping 'til tender and savory;

I will make it know that its only purpose

Is to bring a moan upon the tasting.

I will set a pretty table;

Wrap your silver in a napkin

And a little knotted ribbon.

I will watch you loose the tie,

As if forks and spoons

Were my arms

And wrists.

Mine is the kitchen with the steamy windows,

The gingerbread house on the right;

Arrive on time with a bottle of wine--

Bring your appetite.

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