a cool, well-lit place

one drink illuminated by candlelight

you sit across from me

and talk and talk

but your voice is in a low whisper

you don't want anyone

to overhear your pitiful excuses

you scold me

then feel bad

the red rose you gave me

when we first sat down

now sits awkwardly

on the small table

two drinks illuminated by candlelight

you beg me to say something

my mouth is closed

only open to the liquor

"you're acting ridiculous"

I don't respond

I ask the waiter

for another

three drinks illuminated by candlelight

I begin to envy the rose

it looks beautiful

there is no mirror

but I am ugly

I take the rose

and peel the green coat off

then the petals

until it's ugly

as ugly as I feel

four drinks illuminated by candlelight

you stand up

put on your jacket

"where are you going"

you don't answer

I watch you walk away

you don't turn around

you don't say goodbye

five drinks illuminated by candlelight

the glass is half full

the glass is half empty

the drink is gone

down into the pit

of my stomach

the seat

across from me

is empty

i toast the invisible man

he smiles

six drinks illuminated by candlelight

i don't know

why i'm sad

i just know

i feel sad

i sit

i say nothing

the glasses are scattered

on the table

my mind is muddled

my brain

is in pieces

i stand

i sit

i stand

i leave

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