BB King, Vic Theater, 1987

when you first fall in love

she's willing to do anything

to make sure you're happy

he explained from the stage

as he strummed his guitar

ever so gently

with the fingers and thumb

of one of his enormous hands.

the minute you open your eyes

in the morning, she is standing

beside the bed

with an overflowing tray of food

and you ask her

my, what's that?

and she replies sweetly

that she made you breakfast.

on the edge of the tray is

a steaming porcelain cup

filled with coffee,

and she offers

the entire package to you

without another word,

then lies down beside you

under the covers.

she touches your chest

with fingers warm

from holding the cup,

curls her body around yours,

and dozes lightly while you eat.

many months pass, and

one solemn morning

lying quietly beside her

you realize she hasn't

even made coffee

for a long time,

and you ask her quizzically,

why don't you cook me

one of those pancake breakfasts,

like you did

when we first met?

but instead of rising,

she rolls over quickly

looks you straight

in the eye, and snarls,

fix it yourself!

and that's how you know

the thrill is gone.