The perfect man

Painting by Xi Pan

I could have watched time pass.

But I decided to sleep.

The illusion of peace, the inviting red sofa,

the air filled with possibilities would soothe

my solitary habits.

I would dream of the perfect man:

The one who never refuses to listen

to the stars and knows the art of chivalry.

(where is he? where is he?)

Somebody told me I would find him

reading Germaine Greer or maybe Betty Friedan.

"He shall be over the rainbow" a voice said.

Then I heard that he is a confirmed feminist

and knows how to court a woman without keeping

telling you "would you like to go to my place?"

all the time.

I closed my eyes and for 30 seconds

I saw him:

he stood up and gave me his seat.

I clicked my fingers and he came to me smiling

and opened up the car door for me.

I clicked my fingers again and he stood up

when I left and returned to our table in a restaurant.

He even sent me flowers!!!

It was so magical.

He was not good-looking, neither educated.

I noticed he was an ordinary type of guy,

the kind you find when the Moon is blue.

But I am sure he is not what we want.

Prince Charming has been hidden in the back

of our brains but I have just found out

he is nothing but a proud toad.

(Hey, how many toads have you kissed

in pursuit of your prince? And how many

have texted you instead of calling you to

invite you to dinner?)

Oh! The perfect man ...

Let me sleep forever.

Karla Bardanza

Copyright©Karla Bardanza 2012