Delay of Idiocy ...

(girl sketch compliments of Wang Niandong)

“Did that sound as bad off-stage as it did up there?”

                                               I say on my way home.

“Thanks – you're kind. But this was my first time – ”

                                                         I change my lane alone.

“We don't come out of the womb tap-dancing.”

                               I watch the glowing gas.

“So what are you taking a break from tonight?”

           I thread through the overpass.

“And where did your two friends go? I sure hope I'm”

     Here's Glenn Annie – my turn.

“not cutting into an urgent text – you tripped me, glancing.”

      The red lights, green lights, burn

“Hope I didn't cross from a holding glance to a stare.”

            Like hope – they damp the stars.

“But it's dim in here, and you tend to attract the light.”

                    They make the shadowed lot – still cars –

“I have to drive back – work to do – but do you think I might”

                     Seem sullen, embarrassed for me.

“I will – I'll call. Staying  mute with you would be a crime.”

                  I'll think of you in the morning.