pushing shods
of paper pieces
aside
i fumble
through the clutter
searching
for familiar
scribblings

her voice
brings me
from slumber
to a smile

next to her
nearly passing
out

take time
to play
the gentleman
although
without
any reference
or semblance
of wit

i relax
near her
to be undone
by niceties

simple suggestion
to slow down
further

with no razzle
or dazzle
i fear
she might
wander off
never
to know
about me

a darwin test
to guess
when to be brave,
when afraid