Boy and Girl

Tell me about yourself
I’m a doctor back in China, doing research now in America
I wanted to be an artist but my parents were not sure
Girl: I like to sing along to music, in China I danced on stage
Boy: She is lovely, the shape of her arm
Girl: I try to cook beyond just Chinese food, the culture here is different
Boy: She speaks so softly, she makes me feel calm
Girl: My roommate leaves things everywhere, she spreads her clothes out on the floor
Boy: There’s something else about her, maybe I’m wrong
I hope when there’s a pause in things to say
I’ll get closer and she won’t move away
I hope when there’s a pause in things to say
I’ll get closer and she won’t move away
Tell me more about you
Me? I worked at ad agencies in Manhattan, now I have my own creative shop
I like to talk about ideas, I record songs that I write and play
Girl: He’s nice, he’s cute
Boy: I read a lot, I like Salinger, Steinbeck, Rand, and Hemingway
Girl: He’s talking fast, he is smart, he’s showing off, but I don’t mind
Boy: I’ve traveled to different places, I’m planning to visit Italy soon
Girl: Somehow, he’s very warm
Boy: I like a bottle of red wine, with dinner and real conversation
I hope when there’s a pause in things to say
He’ll get closer and I won’t move away
I hope when there’s a pause in things to say
He’ll get closer and I won’t move away

Girl: He’s nice, he’s cute
Boy: She is lovely, the shape of her arm
Girl: He’s talking fast, he is smart, he’s showing off, but I don’t mind
Boy: She speaks so softly, she makes me feel calm
Girl: Somehow, he’s very warm
Boy: There’s something else about her, maybe I’m wrong
Girl: So much to say
Boy: I hope when there’s a pause in things to say
I hope he gets closer
And she won’t move away

I hope when there’s a pause in things to say (I know)
I’ll get closer
That I won’t move away
Girl: What kind of ad work do you do?
Boy: What kind of research do you do?
So, what were you saying?
I like that you write songs
Well, you sing, and you wanted to be an artist
But isn’t creativity needed for all work anyway? Could be
I think you are right
(C) Todd Lerner, 2017