sardines

Sardines, I would tell Rich.  Compared to you, that's what other men are.

Aw shucks, he would say.  Though neither one of us were sure what I was talking about, I meant it as a supreme compliment, and he took the bait.

I look around now, and mumble to myself, sardines, that's all that is left swimming.

Sardines, I'm told, are good for regulating the rhythm of the heart and reducing bodily inflammation.  Frequent consumption is desirable.

But as much as my body wants, my mind files everyone as "not Rich, not Rich..." and I swim away, heart still pumping to another rhythm.

Candace