"Victory belongs to the most persevering. "
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)
Muscles strained and veins popped as a determined frown spread across my face. I put all of my manly strength forth. The thing held fast, but I was determined that I would not be beaten. Taking a deep breath, I lunged forward again, bending down and putting all of my 145 pounds behind it over and over. I trembled. It trembled. These are the times that vex a man's soul. Manhood is at stake. To fail now is the ultimate insult against all that is masculine. Not me. Not now. I would not fail. "Yield! Yield! Yield!" I secretly thought, hoping that my mental shout would somehow affect things. I was almost outdone. Almost out of energy, I felt both fatigue and pain set in. With one last effort, I summoned all within me, calling upon every last muscle cell, every ounce of willpower, the inner strength that has carried countless men through such ordeals. For all mankind I let a silent cry escape my lips in this last all or nothing attempt. I felt it give! Ever so slightly, I felt its unyielding hold loosen. I felt it open slightly and then I knew I had it. I knew I had won. There comes a surge of energy with the knowledge that you will not fail, that manhood will be preserved. I had felt it give! Spurred by the newfound confidence, I continued my relentless pull. With a loud "POP" it gave up, surrendering to the greater force. I felt a sole drop of sweat travel down my left cheek. That's OK, I had stood the test, met the challenge, and passed. Exhausted but valiant, I smiled in satisfaction.
I looked at my Angie smiling with joy and surprise. She could see eons of primordial testosterone powered chest thumping in my eyes. She was proud of her man. With a smug look of confidence, I raised my hand with the evidence of my victory firmly encased within my grip. She took the evidence of my triumph quietly acquiescing to the greater strength.
I leaned back and arrogantly pondered the accomplishment.
My left eyebrow rose slightly as I saw my Angie grinning.
I was scared internally as I masked my anxiety, wondering my true strength. I wondered silently,
"Why in the world do they make wine bottles so hard to open?"
For all the men that have had to open wine bottles in front of their ladies as well as their friends. You understand.
