Ah Promises...Promises!

Tells me... when she grows up that she will marry me. Begs me to wait for her forever not to marry anyone else ever. Because she’s six I say “Yes! ” to please her. It pleases her. “Promise? ” “Promise! ” She says “I do! ” I say “I do! ” too. She goes to bed happy with her teddy. “But in 2002 I will be 46 all old & wrinkly! ” Tears well in her eyes. They glisten as she tells me: “Don’t be silly! You’re all old & wrinkly now and...and...I still love you! ” I’m won over by her logic, honestly & devotion. Ah, but the years are cruel! When the appointed year comes to be I returned to find her a newly married mother doting over her newest son. I remind her of her promise. She laughs & says: ”No, I...never! ”