Linger Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Too soon.
Too much but not enough,
Kept to linger.
Love.
The hunger remains.
Quick the fantasy of it drifts.
It's not the same.
To have had imagined it.
Lips kissed.
Tongues touch.
A chemistry wished,
Isn't there in the heart.
Awaiting for the trembling,
To begin to start.

Too soon.
Too much but not enough,
Kept to linger.
Love.
Getting to feel,
As if an audition.
Making it easier,
Not to accept the role.
Or commit to playing a part,
Only in dreams every scene...
Seems a breathtaking thriller!

"I keep telling you,
The only way to meet someone these days...
Is to wear your mask.
Keep a social distance.
At least this leaves more,
To see from head to toe.
Everybody lies on those dating services.
Trust me.
Turn off the computer.
Go to the grocery store.
And walk slowly around the vegetables.
Then...
Whoever is picking through the peppers,
That's the one...
To begin a conversation with."

-I am not into 'peppers'.-

"Neither are they.
Trust me.
Then ask...
'Do you like it hot or mild? '
And don't say anything else."

-But...
Suppose they should ask me,
How I like it? -

"Get the telephone number."