A Gift Tied Up With A Red Ribbon

A week ago Friday
I had an invitation
to join Mr. Duvall
for an evening
of fun
food
and
frivolity
(mucho mucho lovemaking)
and it wasn't our normal evening
it was an evening
at my favorite motel
on Padre Island
where
the next day
I sat on the beach
in 80 degree weather
and no wind to speak of
and took in
the sea air
the waves washing ashore
the few gulls (rats with wings)
and several small birds of interest
and the wonderful rays
of sun and warm air
washing over my body
in a swimsuit

I sat on the beach
relaxed
with a smile on my face
thoughts of a man
who brought me a great dinner
shared several great conversations
made sweet passionate love to me
that is different
and somehow better
each time we see each other
washed me lovingly all over
in the shower
and let me sleep in
when he had to work
early that morning
how am I ever going to find
anything better than that
I can't, he
he is
he is THE
he is THE KING
and then I drove home
with a sunburn
and a huge smile on my face...

THEN
Last Wednesday
February 13th
might as well have been
Friday the 13th
It was
to say the least
a horrible day
but before it turned
into a bad day

I had my cell phone with me
I keep it with me
nearly all day
every day
even though I can't talk on it
while at school
I use it as my watch
since I don't wear one

While working after school
with a tutoring group
I looked down
and saw that I missed a call
I didn't hear
the words to the song
of my favorite ringer
which is
King of the Road
It is the ringer
for Mr. Duvall

who,
is
for all important purposes
My King
of the Road

When he calls
I respond in kind
and get on the road
so that I may get SOME
of him

I was bummed to say the least
I hate to miss his calls
but also
have to say
it is rare for him
if not
downright
out of character for him
to call in the early afternoon
and he had left a message
which was
businesslike
saying
call me in the morning
between ten minutes before seven
and ten minutes after seven
if you get the chance

Now boys and girls
I know the rules
and the rules with Mr. D
are that you don't act sentimental
or discuss how you feel
I can't tell him I love him
even though I do
I can't expect anything on any day
much less on a day like
Valentine's Day

so.... he called on the 13th
and asked me to call him
on the 14th

hmmmmmm
his only remaining brother
is ill and in the hospital
it could be he has something
to tell me regarding him
but I doubted
(while secretly hoping)
his need for my call
had anything to do
with the day of Love

so I waited
patiently
with plenty to keep my attention
off of him
and on much less pleasant things
much to my dismay

but on Thursday morning
at 20 til 7
I smiled
oh yeah
I have a call to make

but I have to wait at least 10 minutes
so I called the Muse
and talked to her
then I looked at the clock
and I had one minute
til I could call
but I wait two
just for good measure
and so as to not seem
too eager
even though
he knows I am

and I called at 9 minutes til 7
and he answered the phone
with a really upbeat and sexy voice
that said
Happy Valentines Day
and I replied
Happy Valentines Day to you too
then he said

I have a red ribbon tied around my neck
and am just waiting for you
to open your gift

I laughed
that is the best gift I could ever get
and I asked
are you sure it is around your "neck"?

and followed it with
I can't wait to open my gift

He is the king
of tough guys
that shows his softer side
with me
sometimes
and can be ever so romantic
while at the same time
reminding me
he drives the boat
he makes the rules
and he
LEADS
in this great dance
we have been boot scootin' to
for over 3 years...

He is the king
the king of my heart
because he treats me
so well
and he surprises me
when I don't think he will.

Now, if there is someone
that I can have that with
24/7
he needs to show up
otherwise
No one will ever
rise above
THE KING OF THE ROAD