Proposal

Let's fall in love -
In our mid-thirties
It's not only
Where the hurt is.

I won't get smashed up
Should you go
Away for weekends -
We both know

No two people
Can be completely
All-sufficient.
But twice weekly

We'll dine together
Split the bill,
Admire each other's
Wit. We will

Be splendid lovers,
Slow, well-trained,
Tactful, gracefully
Unrestrained.

You'll keep your flat
And I'll keep mine -
Our bank accounts
Shall not entwine.

We'll make the whole thing
Hard and bright.
We'll call it love -
We may be right.


Tom Vaughan