BETTER THAN ICE CREAM?

It’s nigh unto impossible to choose a favorite food.
But under the right circumstances
(like if my life were threatened
or if I were offered a million dollars
—I’d prefer the latter)
I just might have to choose ice cream.

I’d say I’m addicted.
Seriously.
Send me to ice creamaholics anonymous.

I don’t care what flavor or brand, really.
I just love that creamy, sweet taste
rolling off my spoon
and dissolving in my mouth.

I like it crunchy, fruity, chocolately, mundane,
new flavors, classics, name brands and plain.

I don’t buy 5-Qt. tubs,
but prefer buying a few half-gallons
so I have more variety.

And of course I eat straight from the container.
I scrape the sides where the ice cream is softest.
So hard to resist!

When I go out,
I order a different flavor for each scoop.
My shakes are a conglomeration of mix-ins:
pineapple eggnog,
white chocolate strawberry,
creamy caramel chocolate-ribbon crunchy toffee M&M whipped cream flavor…
Mmmm.

Want a bite?
I’m happy to share.
I’ll take one of yours, too.

So hard to get enough.
The Stones’ song, “Can’t Get No Satisfaction,”
popular well before my birth,
was nevertheless written for me.

Once I start, I don’t want to stop
until I’m sick or I run out.
Oh, I feel gross and vow that next time
I’ll set some limits (and keep them).
I swear it’ll be days before I’ll want ice cream again,
but no—
the next day, or even hours later,
I want more.

Kissing is probably healthier.

I’ve never known anyone to get fat
or high cholesterol from kissing.
I certainly could go for a run after a kiss
and not feel sick
(but then who needs to run when you’re floating?)

I hear kissing is better than ice cream.
If so, I fear I’m doomed.

Once I start, I won’t want to stop.
Then I’ll tell you about desire.
And regret.

Better than ice cream?
I wouldn’t know.
Kissing is probably healthier—
but for now,
ice cream is all I’ve got.

April Murdock
1.4.07