In Berchtesgaden

Abner,

says Jeremy,

did I ever tell you
about my first time?

Not that I recall,

says Abner.
You were always pretty close mouthed
as a kid.

Jeremy responds,

It wasn’t when I was a kid.
I was in the service.
It was in Germany,
Berchtesgaden. 

Ah, says Abner.
Some local fraulein?

No, says Jeremy.

He was from Utah.

Ah, says Abner.
Ah.

A long pause, then:

It explains a lot.  Why you didn’t marry
till late.  Why no kids.  Why you never
flirted in the bars, even at school.

Did Ruth know?

Jeremy nods.  Then:

Did you?

Abner says,

It explains a lot.
Yes, I guess.  Yes.

Jeremy, then,
his voice low and even:

You never said a word?

No need, says Abner.

Mmm, says Jeremy.
Mm.