Imaginary Men

by

Mary A. Green

Hazel, alone a second time
At seventy-five is quite content with herself,
By herself.
Yet Hazel is thinking about men,
"Just one old man," she says
"He should be comfortable," she says
"To take a walk with or spend Saturday afternoons
At the casino
Playing the nickel and quarter machines
And supper afterward at Smitty's."
Hazel likes their liver and onions
And mashed potatoes drowned in gravy

I am alone again the first time
Now comfortable with myself
By myself
Had all I wanted of a man and men
To last a lifetime
Until the day I lunched with daughter
At the Tavern in the Park.
"It looks quite expensive," I observed
"But lovely and I feel good being here."
"You're seventy today," she said.
"I'm treating so indulge." I did
And began to think of men again
Just one old man I thought
A gentleman
Comfortable and kind
Who'd take me out to dine at eateries
Where reservations must be made
A month ahead
And mashed potatoes aren't even on the menu.

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