the next time you meet

It's weird meeting people
and they try to position themselves as someone
that matters
that's in the thick of where it is

listening to him tell his stories
spinning the legend right in front of you
"that's the tie that Boy George tried to buy from me"
and
"they always stay here when they come through town"
and there's more

and at first it's okay
it's entertainment
it's shits and giggles
then

it goes on all fucking night
and the next time you meet

it's 2am
and you're trying to convince him to let you open for his band
you're apologizing for pouring the sake all over the floor
and thanking him for the tie
and saying
"yeah, I'll definitely be there next time"

and you leave smiling
you leave
and sing along to a great song

(was it House of Cards?
you don't even know the words)

the next morning
hungover
work
and then

a nap in the afternoon
the arrival of a hitchhiking friend

and she's a stunner
elegant angles and elbows and
just dipped in beauty
and she gets in

the laughs are easy
and the conversation
comfortably hovers

and she seduces you
it wasn't hard

and you surprise her
you satisfy her

and she stays longer
and she comes more often
and she charms tenderness out of you
and this time

its 8.30 pm
and you take one last look

a look like a long
deep breath

and you sing gospel songs
all the way home

your voice husky with faith