he isn’t waiting
around the corner he isn’t
holding his breath
he isn’t glancing at his clock
wondering why you’re so late

he isn’t in the next room
his voice is not echoing down
the hall
he doesn’t go to your gym
nor your coffee shop

he won’t be in your classes
not this year
not next year
he does not live on your block
these aren’t
the streets he walks
your paths won’t meet
any time soon
his bones rise with the sun
you are drunk under the moon