How to Ruin a First Date

So I ask, "What's the worst thing about you?”

She leans back in her chair, tapping her chin.

I wait for her evasive quip, when her blue

Nail halts. “Well, I’ve been told I have a grin 

Reminiscent of the Berlin Wall. Sometimes

I strum guitar until my fingers bruise

And callous ‘cause I can’t think of a rhyme.

I will never want to take a cruise

Because of Life of Pi. I’ve a bad habit

Of turning poetry into blatant whines

Of self pity. I drink and smoke on the Sabbath.

I’ll never break a promise, but I've told lies.”

She takes a breath, and my heart skips, and I sigh.

I see now that control has never been mine.