Inner discourse page

The stage was set. A heat lamp warmed my watch, a Bach minuet danced gracefully in my ears. The amorous guests were feeding each other’s faces, but had exchanged no sensible word. My stomach was full, but another pang was plaguing, the confectionery within reach.

Merrywood!...What now?...Fresh fruit can be bitter... I’ll be the judge of that.

     The orchard gate is open. A glossy apple catches the eye of passing boys. Many are drawn to the tree; few choose a perilous pluck. But my daring would go unnoticed, the wordless lovers in a world of their own.

Daring, please!...Just you wait, bucko!...Don’t have all day...Only fools rush in.

     She lit another cigarette. We would soon have the stage to ourselves, the smooching simpletons taking a last slug. A silent couple can still communicate, a mutual desire for departure needing no affirmation. The pair rose together, not long for some cheap motel? I mouthed a goodbye, muted a good riddance. Americans have a right to free association, no matter how juvenile, tasteless, unnecessary the exercise.

Bent out of shape?...I am a man of dignity...Who never gets any action...You’ll have to try harder than that!

     We were alone. Tender years build up a barricade.

The move?...A careful man takes no untoward risk....Chicken!...A considerate man does not impose...Mouse!...A wise man weighs his words...Tortoise!...A secure man shrugs off the slander!

The deck was for the birds. The decamping couple had left their plates unfinished and greedy gulls descended, to besmirch the freshly washed wood. The waiters had also disappeared, leaving some pigeons in peace. The girl was staring at her feet, but a sparrow had taken her previous perch and was giving a me the eye. Rows of planks marking the distance, an astute mathematician does the calculation.

Playing in his pants!...Excuse me...Fidgeting in frustration!...Never let it be said...Telegraphing torment... Stop it now, just stop.