Introduction

Your favorite acquaintance, that thinks she is your best friend and knows you all too well and assumes you want to know her just as intimately!

Exchanging Pleasantries

She waves, walks my way.
A fresh new-do: a teased peroxide
plethora of gossip held in place by aquanet.
Lips bright red and raring to go.
Can't get in a word edgewise,
not even in her spandex pants.

Can not run. Can not hide.
I smile; a breath to sustain:
"Hi, how are you?"

Bobbing silently in response:

Really
I didn't know that
just peroxide, huh
Nice
bite the tongue
don't laugh
Fantastic
what great news
tapping my foot
you know the hot crawfish goes first
no difference, smile, you have yours
Do tell
filing that away
Now I know why you won't donate
Sure do
grinning that showing-teeth-silent-scream-grin
it's always been on a Wednesday
I'm treasurer, I would know
So sorry
that is sad
maybe if you'd mind your own business
that wouldn't happen again
Goodness
wonders never cease
so he stays home on a Wednesday night
raising my eyebrows
think about it, you aren't there
ask him where he goes on Thursdays
Oh my
way too much information
yes, I know it's a blue pill
sure
next week, I'm sure
Well
so do I

"Oh me, just fine."
I sigh through gritted teeth.
Hanging on to my smile
with clinched white knuckles
Until she understands it is not a question;
I will run. I will hide.

I wave and walk away.
Thinking I gave my blue spandex pants to the church bazaar
fifteen years ago - no, it couldn't be.

Copyright; Jerri Gregoire
Email: jfgjerri@bellsouth.net