The Proposal

It took a few seconds
to say “ will you marry me?”
and even less
to whisper “yes”

Half a life time to regret
then forever to forget.

Finding “Yes” was a great mistake
surviving with a constant ache;

realising life’s no rehearsal,
no miracle of reversal.

When at last denouement came
it brought its own brand of pain;

pain of anger guilt and sorrow,
no surcease with tomorrow.

Now that proposal I recall
when callow youth failed to think at all;

it took a few seconds
to say “will you marry me?”
and even less,
to whisper “Yes”