Roses And Relations Reborn
I woo my sister. "If the lover of Prospero's daughter were not fictional wouldst thou not be his leading lady on the stage called life?"
"Dost thou make oracular airs? Such prophecies are not made in jest," she says.
"Ah, just a portent of love glimpsed from afar."
"Given my impeccable femininity attested to by thee wouldst thou let a bitter man's choice fill thy shoes?"
"Since our womb abode was the same surely to share the same bed would be a blasphemous deed."
Ro replies, "Yet brothers to sisters are like barley to mead. When you add just the right amount of honey we find the middle way between cloyingly sweet and bone dry where heaven lies."
"Rowena, thou art the embodiment of feminine's own beauty, Aphrodite made mortal but with immortal loveliness, the femme de la crème is spoken soberly from lips which long for yours."
"John, for Christ's sake, I'm your sister! Your concupiscent courtship of me is that of a rake for a coquette he met in some ungodly tavern."
"Where thou walk virtue is not far behind, in fact, it is with your every footstep. You belong barefoot in a wildflower meadow far from the spoils of merchants. My adoration for you is born of brotherly love."
"Oh John, my face is pink with the blush of a lass. Desist your wanton ways or I shall depart on a sly but scrupulous note."
"I shall try to stay my tongue. Yet your halo is a crown fit for an angel."
"John, when you deify me I feel like a precious gem. Yet the trappings of a commoner fit me better than a jeweled robe."
"Rowena, you are an Aphrodite incarnate who enchants mere mortals."
"John, you're rehearsing the play of courtship with me. I can impart unto thee the words to loosen a woman's gown. But certain rules must be observed which means no female guests overnight. The springs in your mattress proclaim your ignominy. So you may use my bed to muffle your mischief. Mine will be a voyeur's tithe when I tidy things up upon her leave-taking. The scents of love well made will be my reward. You must cloak your cleaving from Mom who goes produce hunting at the market Friday mornings. There is no need for worry because her punctuality is true as a sundial at a solstice. When the shadows from the window shorten conclusion must be at hand."
I exclaim, "By Jove!"
"John, whenever Mom's churchy friend brings her daughter, Caroline, over for a visit you miss the opportunity for a turnabout of a social call because you fret with the young woman with a nervous twitch portending her hex. Methinks the cause of your flirtation with me is that self-inflicted love is your pastime which is a poor substitute for women who are eligible prospects. When the aforesaid young lady makes a social call thou hidest behind my skirt like a timid schoolboy."
"No, it is because you possess the charm and wit of a socialite from London, whereas Caroline while fetching, lacks your sophistication and urbanity. One day perhaps a woman will tickle my fancy like you. Until then be assured my flirtations
art practice for correspondence with the fairer sex."
"Your compliments melt me. Courtship is a lost art from a more genteel age. Hold my hand and I will govern your base desires into a sturdier heartwood."
"What be the nature of your intention, dear sister?"
"My lesson plan is twofold. First you must learn how to properly kiss a woman. This shall not entail the mere cousin kiss. The art is in knowing how to approach her and melt the butter of her modesty. As your sister it is my duty to teach you."
"Shall this be a dress rehearsal?"
"Why of course, dear brother. Do not be bashful. Let me lead this dance." She holds my hand like a prayer book and plants her lipstick upon my cheek. My hand trembles in hers and she places my palm between her breasts. I feel her heart beat like a sparrow shivering in her winter nest.
"Dear sister, you have shown me the path. There is no need to follow it further."
"If you are to learn the proper subtleties of the art, you must put your trust in me as your tutor."
"Yes, after all, this is just a remedial course to remedy my lack of experience."
"Twas in the merry month of May the kissing booth was womaned by me the fairest at the county fair. If my sugar sweetened the lips of total strangers for a nickel to aid the hobos then surely they are not above pressing upon my brother's."
"Am I the beggar whose plate you would fill with sugar plums?"
"Sages impart that charity is born at home. Now pucker up dearest."
"Shall we smack our lips upon this bonbon?"
"Hold your horses brother. First things first. I shall add to our zest by sucking on these fire candy pieces I happen to have in my purse. They were meant for my lover but will suit our purpose well."
"This feels like the fantasy I had of kissing my teacher only more forbidden."
"Why of course. How appropriate because I am your teacher here to fulfill your desire. Now, place your hands on my hips as a man should when kissing his woman."
"Hmmm, yes, now stay your lips parted just so." She stands on her tip toes and with her tongue imparts unto me the mysteries of the universe.
"Lick the fire off my tongue," she says. "How do I taste?"
"Your female flavor lingers on my taste buds."
"You must try this with your mistress. Have her suck the spicy sugar treats and lick the juice off her tongue like you did mine."
"Art thou pleased with thy pupil?"
"Very much so, did I excite you?"