Test Runs

With the preliminaries

behind us

it would be so easy

if you were the one.

Our awkward silences

and dry throats

have subsided

shyness and foot shuffling

things of the past.

We’ve committed to memory

our respective family histories

disclosed in quiet moments

our first, best, worst lovers.

We’ve got each other’s friends straight

who’s on their own, who’s till together.

I know where you were

when Kennedy was shot

and exactly how you like your eggs

you could list my favourite authors

and high school teachers.

You know where I’m ticklish

who I lived with at university

I know the comics you think aren’t funny

and the jokes you think are.

Now that the hard part’s over

wouldn’t it be wonderful

if you were the one.