I've a new 'do
And my nails are done,
Now what oh what
Am I gonna wear?
Nerve endings dance
Causing me
To drop everything
I pick up.
Damn!
There went the earring.
Double damn!
I can't hook this necklace.
Where are my shoes?
Oh, great,
They're under the bed.
Please don't let me
Get a run in my stockings!
Mere minutes to go.
"How do I look?"
I ask the dog,
But she remains
Lovingly noncommital.
I race from the bedroom
Only to retrace my steps
Because I forgot to put on
My night-time lipstick.
With moments to spare
I hurry into the living room,
Careful not to trip over the cat,
Or the dog,
And force myself
To sit down
And breathe deeply,
Trying not to hyperventilate
Or count the ticks and tocks
Sounding from the mantle clock.
I laugh softly in a wild sort of way
As a car door shuts outside.
My first date since I was nineteen,
Only my second date ever.
Oh, good Lord,
Get a grip, Woman!
Drawing deeply on some inate strength
I close my eyes
And conciously relax
From head to toes
As the doorbell chimes,
Then I rise gracefully to my feet,
And greet him
With an easy smile.