He was kneeling down to tie his shoes which
she mistook for a proposal of marriage.
—Arise, arise, sweet man, she said with tears
glistening in her eyes while people hurried
past as if stung by bees.
—We shall spend the day riding in a balloon,
she announced happily.
—My ears will pop, he objected.
—We’ll throw our clothes overboard as we rise higher and higher.
—I’ll smoke a cigar that may sputter fireworks.
—Don't worry my love, she hugged him.
Even where the clouds are darkest, I have a
secret getaway.
Charles Simic (1999)
