Blue eyed Sinatra

He is so full of personality.

Larger than life.

This will be our first meeting. He announced

Oh, it’s not a date?

Nope. I never call a first encounter a date, always a meeting.

I watch his blue eyes sparkle. I love his hat, it’s grey plaid with a royal blue sash to it.

Tell me about yourself.

Well, that could take all night, what do you want to know? Beginning, middle, end?

Beginning.

Oh that’s easy, my dad used to beat us with a 2 x 2.

My brother and I, whoever moved more was hit more. It was to prepare us for the world.

My head tips to one side, he continues.

And sometimes we were forced to duct tape magazines to our hands and beat one another with them.

Not until one of us was bleeding, but until both of us were covered in blood.

I have yet to move, my breathing remains calm and regular.

He always told us it only takes one bullet if you do it right as he turned it over and over in his hand. I can still see him doing that today.

Absorption is one thing I never tire of.

He shot himself when I was in my 20’s.

I’m good tho, I’ve healed, I’m moving on. He takes another puff from his medicinal vaping pen as a child sucking on a pacifier for security.

You have the most lovely eyes, they sparkle with such life. I tell him

He smiles back at me.

And I realize this is indeed a first meeting.