Let it be known that I have turned my back
on sunsets, pearl rings,
and all-inclusives with the One.
It is time I took my life in a handkerchief,
and stopped the plaintive search.
I don’t need any presents
or praise for my lack of expectations.
I’ve had enough chocolate,
and my daddy bought me all the bears
I needed.
Quote-unquote romances
(with boys I’m ashamed to know)
have bolstered my pride.
Now I can wait.
I will prop the door open whilst I attend
to other things. No standing
with the key in hand, waiting for
him, and for him to say,
‘at last, it is I, the gentleman
on whom all happiness depends.’
He can tap me on the shoulder
when he gets here, wordlessly.
Until then, I’ll roll my sleeves,
and go to work.
I have more names than
‘a patient woman,’
and more things to find
than love.
© Deanna Scutt, 2017
Darker Fables 