You Should Know What to Do


  I asked her why she was scowling at me
  She said "You really should know.
  Tonight at the party you blew me away
  And spent the night talking to Joe."
  Then I said "But YOU said 'don't worry 'bout me
  Mingle and have a good time.'
  I only did what you asked me to do
  Is that really some kind of a crime?"
  Then she said "You know I don't like those affairs
  I went there tonight just for YOU
  After all of the time we've been with each other
  You really should know what to do."

  Later, I asked her "So what's wrong now?
  Your face is as long as a bridge.
  Your eyes are as sad as a mourning old widow
  Your brow is a deep furrowed ridge."
  Then she said "Tonight at our dinner for two,
  You ordered the wrong damned dessert
  You know how I hate things of chocolate and coffee
  You bastard!  You KNEW it would hurt!"
  Then I said "But you said 'I'm really not hungry,
  Eat what you like - I'm all through"
  Then she said "But you KNOW that I share your desserts,
  You really should know what to do."

  And I thought "It's so strange that I am expected
  To know all the whims of this person.
  Anytime I try to make everything right
  The problems just worsen and worsen.
  'You got the wrong present!  You got the wrong size!
  I don't like the cut of your clothes!
  You're driving too fast - don't slow down tho, we're late!'
  How can I stand this?"  Who knows.
  Wait - I think that I've figured it out.
  I believe that I've finally a clue
  I finally solved the riddle at last - 
  Of course!  Now I know what to do!

  So I smiled and I asked "So NOW why the face?
  You're looking so sad and forlorn.
  Though I'll note for a change it's nothing but sorrow
  Instead of the usual scorn."
  Then she cried "Your bags!  They're packed with your things!
  You're leaving me, Richard!  But why?
  What have I done?  Is there somebody else?
  Are you just going to leave me to die?"
  So I kissed her and said "I never could solve
  Your problems, so I leave them to you.
  As for me, I'm late for a date with myself.
  I finally know just what to do."

copyright 1998, Rick Thorne (Mea Culpa Productions)

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