I watched you practice "goodbye".
Shortly after "hello",
I watched the corners of your eyes.
Saw them shift and
squint as your mind planned
your escape before I even shook your hand.
You set the pace for a
dance I knew would soon end.
I dreamed of Charlestons and Ragtimes,
but you chose to Waltz.
So I took my position.
Curbed my enthusiasm
Lowered my voice
Turned welcome kisses into lifeless hugs
Box-stepped through shallow conversation
while coffees and emotions grew cold
Bowed politely when the music
stopped - terse smiles our only goodbye.