The friend who used to take my car keys and my fountain pen when I had a bit too much wine died in October, 2006.  After reading the following, you will all be relieved to know that I never drive while Under The Influence.  After reading the following you may also wish to God I didn't write while impaired, either.  May all your (our, his, her, my) wishes come true.  May pigs fly without effort and all our children be above average. 

Your husbands and your lovers were your choice.
Attracted to his heat like moth to fire,
to this one's stunning looks, to that one's voice -
the fruit of biological desire

is often sterile, lifeless, and a waste
of precious time. Love is more than skin-time,
more than trading DNA, than the taste
of your neck in my thoughts. The truth is, I'm

no different from those others you have known
with one small difference - I have chosen you,
against your will. I know I am the stone
around your neck, your burden. Nothing new.

One clueless jerk you never gave the chance
to crawl inside you heart and not your pants.

cas (June, 2007)