The Wind Throws Back

I lied when I told you I didn't have 
a phone number, she said. I wasn't
sure about you, but now that I know
you're sane & responsible—aren't you?— 
I'm going to throw caution to the wind 
& hope it doesn't blow back in my face.  
But if you ever spent any time in a mental hospital 
I'd like to know. I won't let 
it prejudice me against you. 
I'm willing to give you a chance, 
provided you get a letter from a psychiatrist 
stating your case was closed.

by Hal Sirowitz

Believing in Fate

I don't have a telephone, she said, 
so I can't give you a number. 
I'm not a great fan of planned dates. 
But if I happen to bump into you
on the street I'd be willing to go for coffee. 
Let's leave it to chance. It brought
us together once. It could work a second time. 
You could help fate along by hanging out
in Chelsea. That's where I live. If I
gave you any more information I'd be cheating. 

by Hal Sirowitz