Rewards of Patience & Persistence

(with a wink and nod to Jim Stafford)

The room glows soft in winelight
as currents of exhaled haze
pulse to the saxophone strokes
while slow dancing couples flow.

Eyes meet and lock together
understanding of words unsaid
nervous tongue wets tense lips,
I look away for a breath.

My weight shifts in my seat
anxiously searching his face
I notice the beads on his lip
and know that our time is near.

Moments of tension stretch thin
stagnant drinks unnoticed now
our hands slowly reach across
to touch in a moist embrace.

Then his words flow into my ears
floating in as a baritone
to confirm my expected thrill
rewarding the patient days.

He’ll buy for all of his clubs
machines to make frozen drinks
and soft-serve ice cream desserts
my bonus is in the bag.

Casey Mack (2003)