Snapshot

We have known him since
he was a sweet-faced toddler
happiest when playing in solitude
running toy trucks up and down
his parents' driveway, a quiet,
solemn little boy. Now adult
he went through the student years
never distinguishing himself
disinterested in further education.
The baby of the family, his
sisters sought academia and
professional careers. He chooses
retail sales in one of the ubiquitous
branded shops everpresent in
ubiquitous malls. Courteous
and personable, he has matured
physically from lithe youth to
weightily ponderous, his
conversation and interests dull,
his mind unchallenged. Living at
home with his patient parents, his 
routine is unalterable and uninspired.
We puzzle that a succession of
bright and beautiful young women
tend to his company and that 
age-old question teases our minds
as we meet each one over the
years: What might the attraction
be that they set their standards to?