Big Difference 1972 Poem by Terry Collett

Abela kicked Benny leg
under the table.

He'd been eyeing one
of the Serbian waitresses
passing by.

It is not good to me
you gawking at that waitress
makes me feel
surplus to requirements
she said.

Just looking
at the art form
he said.

What about
my art form?
She said.

Beautiful art form
he said
but one can have a Monet
but that doesn't stop
an art lover looking
at a Van Gogh.

so I'm a Monet?
She said.

More like Renoir I'd say
he said.

She pouted
I don't like you staring
at other girls while
you are with me
she said.

Ok
he said
I will be good
and look only at you.

She gazed at him
she put her head
to one side
as if measuring
up his words.

Am I the best girl
you have made love to?

Of course you are
he said.

Really?

Sure.

She looked away gazing
at the view of the sea
out of the hotel window.

Sophia was a wild one
he mused
that time
in her parents bed
while the were out
and the bed going some
and Yiska that time
in the ECT room.

Why do men
look at other women
when they are with someone?
Abela asked
looking back at him.

Animal nature
kicking in
he said.

We have moved
past that stage
she said.

Didn't seem so last night
he said.

She smiled
well that was different.

Very different
he said
thinking of them
in the big double bed.