Poem by Jane Blanchard
Artwork by Clinton Van Inman At last, both sons agree to bring girls home for us to meet: it’s supper only, but for all that counts as quite a feat. One couple shows up right on time. Dad offers drinks, while I continue cooking—chicken, rice, beans, nothing new to try. First son begins to quaff a beer; his dear sips hers for play; then second son and hon arrive; they opt for Cabernet. Since kitchen opens up to den, I can participate in conversation that occurs or doesn’t with each date. One girl is majoring in math and seems a sports fanatic; the other leans toward English, French, or something more dramatic. Once food is served and blessed, all talk turns merely minimal, yet manners dare to speak with signs a bit subliminal. Dessert then proves a challenge since the girls are on a diet; cheesecake is out for both of them, but not for those who try it. The table cleared, I must insist that dishes can just wait while Dad and I still try to woo each son’s potential mate. However, there is not much left to say or do this eve, so soon, with thanks, each son departs with whom he hopes to cleave. Jane Blanchard lives and writes in Georgia. Her poetry has appeared previously in Belle Rêve and recently in Lighten Up Online, Smoky Blue, and U.S.1 Worksheets. Her chapbook Unloosed is available from White Violet Press of Kelsay Books. Clinton Van Inman grew up in North Carolina, graduated from San Diego State University in 1977, taught in South Carolina and is currently a high school teacher in Tampa Bay where he lives in Sun City Center, Florida with his wife, Elba.
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About UsBelle Rêve Literary Journal is a southern literary experience. Our mission is to capture everything that makes the South and its residents unique through the best contemporary literature we can find. We publish new works weekly. Archives
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Passionately Ran, Compassionately Fed.
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