Thornton's Offer 1958 Poem by Terry Collett

She was a red head
wearing a red dress
smoking a cigarette
sipping her coffee.

You were
sitting beside her
black suit
blue shirt
black tie
holding a cigarette
between fingers.

I think he suspects
she said.

Suspects what?
You said.

That I'm seeing
someone else.

You took a drag
on the smoke
does he suspect who?
You said.

Not yet
but he will fish
and get to find out.

She inhaled smoke
and looked at the guy
behind the counter
serving another man
along the bar.

Let him fish
I don't give a damn
you said.

Maybe we should
go off together
she said.

Go where?
You said.

Anywhere
as long as it's
away from him
she said
turning
to look at you.

I ain't going
no where
you said
if you want
to leave the jerk
come to my place
he won't find you there
and if he does
he'll have me
to see him off.

She looked away
and inhaled smoke again.

He has a temper
and a gun
she said
exhaling smoke
as she spoke.

Up to you Honey
take it or leave it
I don't run no place
you said.

The jukebox
started up
some Elvis guy singing.

She sat silent
moodily gazing
at her mug of coffee.

I'll see how he goes
she said
can't leave just yet
see you tomorrow
afternoon?

Sure
you said
you bet.