Co-op Poetry

My Co-op Sweetie

I wanted to move into the co-op
So you I could be near.
Then they said I had to interview
And it struck me deep with fear.

"Yes, I will cooperate...
"And, yes, I'll pay my rent...
"But, no, I can't fix toilets...
"But, yes, I'll be a gent...

When I learned of my acceptance
My heart nearly skipped a beat.
I asked, "Is this possible?
We're going to share a suite!"

I asked to be on cleanup
When you were scheduled too.
Dishpan hands were of no matter
If I could only be with you.

OK, I must admit it--
Sometimes I listened through the wall.
Was she talking `bout me
When to her friends she'd call?

But like a freshly bleached floor
My intentions were so pure.
(But I ran them through the sanitizer
Just to make extra sure.)

When midterms rolled around
you needed someone to do your labor.
"I'll do it, not for swap or pay--
I'll do it just to be your neighbor."

You gave me a good-show
And I knew that life was good.
So I finally gathered up the courage
And did what a good co-oper should:

I asked you out that night at dinner.
You said, "Can we meet at eight?"
I finally felt the time was right
For the fulfillment of our fate.

But eight-thirty turned to nine o'clock...
My beloved, how could you no-show?
I called you-- there was no answer.
I was devastated by the blow.

But to my delight I later heard
It was a freak event:
You had been locked inside the walk-in
When for you I sent!

Since that day, we've been best friends--
Much more than labor buddies.
I've helped you with your homework
And you've helped me with my studies.

And so to you I dedicate this poem
For the yearning we've found within.
At the co-op we're as close as two people can be
Without technically living in sin.

You're sweeter than cookie night
And more peaceful than the study room.
I wish to hold you in my hands
Just like I hold my broom.

Let me be your life's cook's help,
A rep on your private subcommittee.
Let me be the second in your motion,
A suitor for a girl oh-so-pretty.

I love you, my co-op sweetie,
You are so near and dear.
Of one thing I'm certain--
I'm renewing my contract next year!

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Laurel House Co-op & Laurel Net Cooperative / Austin, Texas, USA / Updated 01 Mar 1996

This page is published by Laurel Net Cooperative, a registered student organization. This page is not an official publication of The University of Texas at Austin and does not represent the views of The University or its officers.