The Lotus Eaters

A walk beneath a full moon with the warm summer breeze softly brushing my skin......Certainly, one of Natures most powerful aphrodisiacs!

 and so, just one breath of this night and I  am swept back in time...........

 Ah! A young man in N.Y.C.!   One of my favorite places to bring a date was to a place called "The Lotus Eaters". A wonderfully, cozy Chinese restaurant that served the most exotic Oriental fare and drinks!

    On this particular date, I was armed with some empowering knowledge that I planned to use to stimulate our conversation. I researched the history of the Lotus Flower and found that many cultures have used it as a soother of the mind, an aphrodisiac, and as a means of forgetting about inhibitions!  Also, during that time, a Japanese classmate was teaching me many popular expressions of the Orient....I practiced and my tongue became fluent!

   The summer night sported a wonderful full moon.....we entered the restaurant. Having been there several times I requested the table that had the best view of this exoctic place!  A waitress from the bar came and asked if we would be ordering drinks....I suggested to my date that we  order "The Lotus Eaters Special Cocktail"...and after describing the exoctic fruits and liquors that went into it, she agreed.The drinks came, not with the typical straw umbrella, but garnished  with a Lotus Flower!  After a few sips of this beverage that quickly goes right to your toes....I tore off one of the petals of the Lotus Flower and placed it on my tongue. "Marc!" she exclaimed, "are you sure you can eat those?".....I smiled...."Certainly, people have been eating these potent flowers for thousands of years"..and just as I was beginning to unfold the lore of the flower, a young waitress came to our table. In a very broken English she greeted us, and asked if we were ready to order. I had to seize this moment.....and so, I began speaking the Asian language fluently that my friend helped me rehease!  Both the eyes of the waitress and my date WIDENED! I knew my date was impressed, but the waitress....did I say something wrong??

   The waitress put her head down...as if embarrassed....and in broken English she softly said.."I am sorry, I do not speak Japanese, I am from China and this is a chinese restaurant".   My mouth...fell open in shock and disbelief that I could make such a miscalculation!...I sunk back in my chair, blood racing into my cheeks, screaming....you blunderer! You Fool!.How could you be so stupid!    .............  I looked over at my date....she looked at me, and simultaneously, we burst into laughter! She placed her hand on top of mine, squeezed it....."if only you could see your expression....you have the most wonderful puppy dog eyes"........   The rest of the evening continued with sincere laughter and marvelously  interesting converation.....and of course the combination of the full moon and warm summer breeze helped!

   and so I learned the truth about aphrodisiacs that night......there is none greater than just being with the right person!

.In any language!.......................................   Warmth,   Marc :)