The Governess

I think of the governess I never had

With long flowing brown hair and a tender smile

A big cast iron skillet cooks an egg over easy

For me

The rain spatters against the kitchen window

Lacy brightly colored window curtains are pulled back

The cat meows and the dog looks up from his nap

They both yawn

I wonder at women darning socks

My wife frowns at a stupid remark I make

The smell of coffee brewing so redolent of yesterdays

A pretty woman in a short skirt walks by

She wears a light sweater and must cross her arms to keep warm

The rain has stopped, of course

Still, I had no governess, it’s a silly thought really

But I can’t let go of it

There is a strong sexuality to it all

I wonder at the term ash can

There is only one banana in the house and it is too brown

I want to take the camera and shoot pictures of trees

Or flowers

Or the pretty woman who walked by

Even the big cast iron skillet I imagined

Or the governess

What a pretty dress my imaginary governess wears

I lay my head in her lap

My hand itches

I wish I spoke fluent French

I wish I could jitterbug

Instead I drink the delicious coffee my wife made

I love her

Who needs a governess?