By Gala
Date: 5 October 2000

Fighting For The Check

From the first,
the only thing we have argued about
is who should pay for this excursion.
You insist that since you did the asking,
I should have a free ride,
first class all the way
fine wine for my heart,
choice food for a hungry spirit
heated towels and careful massage
for muscles gone stiff and painful
and me lolling about
like the pasha's favorite,
never thinking to question
who would pay for all or this---
or worse, assuming you would
just grab the check?
Guess I'm not that sort of lady---
because I want to pay your way,
welcome your heart after the hard day,
feed you gourmet dainties
and use these strong hands
to drain off the hurting
inside you
and you may have asked,
but I accepted
and dutch treat is tacky
at the Maison d' Coeur
so for as long as this date lasts
you and I will keep
fighting over the check---
you insisting that a gentleman always pays,
and me explaining that a real lady
never accepts more
than she is willing to give.

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