lost in smoke that swirls like ghosts
round music and laughter that sways in stride
blurred by ***** my eyes sweep slowly
through the flickers and clicks of bodies
I search for an opening to make my escape
drowning in thoughts of lust and lines to spin
unable to speak them even to myself
I am not this
gameroom for hollow pleasures
far cries to fill the void
left by love not perceived
therefore unattainable

through the mist of emotional waste
as I prepare to depart
a voice caught me blind and sliced the silent noise
in a deafening whisper
'breathe deep' she said
as a hand turned me to the left
she stood as light in a desert of shadows
she was all I could see
her beauty was staggering
even in my diminished state
I blinked to reset my eyes
and she remained
'Breathe deep and look upon me
for I have found you
and you do not belong here'
Gloria leaned over the bar and whispered
'You okay, you look like you've seen a ghost!'

all was quiet as I left
arm in arm with a vision
I heard the meeting of glasses
as they toasted one they knew would not return