the all important third date preparation

i slip

the frozen Swanson

tv dinner

into the oven,

turkey and mashed

potatoes,

gravy

and peas, apple sauce

then turn the knob

to 350

and wait

40 minutes. i

then pull back the foil

to see how

she's doing.

it almost smells like

real food.

my date should be

arriving soon,

so i clear

the coffee table off

and set out some cutlery

and plates.

paper cups

and a box of red wine.

a roll

of paper towels.

i get out

a fat red candle, made

for Christmas

and light the wick,

then draw the shade.

it's the third date after all.