Marriage Menu

I step into the wide world, Placing tentatively my footsteps. How hard it is to please everyone And fulfill all expectations. I enter the adult community with excitement, Yet I fear one thing – love. I must find that woman to complete my hearts desire. And what a fine menu life does provide! “Choose your path wisely my son – You are the one that will have to live with your decisions” But then why do you not let me turn the page? A menu so detailed, so extravagant But you limit my choice! “Marriage is the most important decision in your life boy, You choose your eternal partner. There is no room for error” So then why can’t I have an expansive selection? You have always told me this world is of endless opportunities, So then why can’t I turn the page? “Marrying outside your kind is unacceptable!” But living a life bounded by walls leaves you without freedom, And freedom is one of life’s joys. The menu of life’s delicacy – an undying partner Is so exciting, But here I am stuck in the menu! My choice narrowed, Choose from beautiful to humorous, From wise to witty, From understanding to spontaneous, From young to old, But not from race to race. But what if “The One” is of another race? What then? Defy my elders? Defy those who shaped who I am today? Family tradition or love, If only life’s tough decisions were for others to decide. I am expected to marry not solely on love But on abstract criteria as well. While I can see my family’s point of view I’m frightened – What do I tell my family when they meet Julia? She better hide that engagement ring!Firstly no offence intended by relating woman to food on a menu! I better quickly explain where this poem originated from b4 i get questions about it - Im Greek, my father and grandfather are very adamant about me marrying greek...at the moment im still young and i have intentions of marrying greek but i thought id just put myself in an undesirable situation (loving some one who isnt greek) and writing a poem. Hope it makes sense - it isnt my most poetic of poems but it was a good challenge. Written December 29th, 2001 © on Dec 29 2001 12:44 AM PST   18 • 0 • 8