Marriage: a discussion

     She asks me how did you meet your husband?  Oh, dreaded question.  I was lonely; he was lonely.  Is it enough, I hope?  No, she persists.  Did he propose?  I can't remember, I say, but I think so.  What did he say? I don't know, other than that he did not say that he was lonely.  Did you have a big wedding?  We stole the flowers from potted plants, as I recall.  What do you think makes a good marriage?  I wouldn't know, I say.  Maybe a loyal pet.  A dog or cat that one can ask about.  Is he in?  Is he out?  Has he been fed?  That might keep the man and woman together.  She is not amused.  She has a formula--part this, part that, part sex.  I'm finding it hard to listen.  Does she have any idea what she's talking about?  But I remind myself that this woman is 26 years old.  She is dating my son.  Does he fit her formula?  She tells me that her own parents were very good looking and that is why they married.  (They are now divorced.)  I glance at my son.  Yes, he is handsome.  Yes, she is attractive.  Will it be enough?  Pour me another glass of wine, I say.