just say no

there was a time

when i used to do a lot

of things

i didn't want to do.

like go to church,

or to a party, or vote,

or shopping with

the ex-girlfriend or

wife,

standing outside

the dressing room,

holding a dress.

i'd go to the opera,

or watch a chick flick,

or go to some

march downtown,

because she wanted me to.

i used to eat calamari

when i didn't want it,

or beet soup.

i would always take

a taste, a sip.

i was compliant,

easy to get along with,

a pleasant fellow,

but things have

changed.

i've learned how to say no, 

to most of it.

i've sort of quit.