The zipper cried
as I ripped it open
and I took deep breaths
before lighting
a cigarette,
and sigh
blue clouds into the mist.

She said something,
what was it?
I turned to hear her better.
It was something about her hair
wasn't it?
So I told her:

"I think your hair is beautiful,
I love you."
I said,
then hesitating
with a shocked look
wrapped round my head.
She smiled at me
pleased
and began to giggle.

I didn't mean to say it,
it was far too soon.
Admitting I loved her
just reinforced the fact
that we've been together forever
and there was no going back
to the lunch table at noon.