it's early in the relationship

let's go on

a picnic, she says.

i have a blanket

and a basket, and a thermos

that i can put

ice tea in.

it's early in the relationship.

so i say,

okay.

i'm very agreeable

at this stage

of the game.

we haven't even had sex

yet, but

the prospects

are promising.

a picnic might get the ball

rolling

in that direction.

sure, i tell her. i'll boil

some eggs.

and make some cucumber

sandwiches

with the crust cut

off.

oh, she says, you're so

sweet.

i'll bake some cookies

for us.

chocolate chip

with nuts okay?

yup, i tell her,

as i search under the kitchen

sink for bug spray.

game on.