The Taxi Driver's Eyes

Julia cadged cigarettes from men
as she inhaled the smoke
came from their ears.

She keyed her number into my phone
the next day I retyped her name
in capitals.

On the back seat of the taxi
her tongue stud was rattling
inside my mouth.
I noticed the taxi driver's eyes
in the rear view mirror.

I felt him watching me
as I walked up her garden path.

When Julia drifted off to sleep
I could still see his eyes
and guessed they had found
another couple to watch.

Next time I am with a girl
in the back of a taxi
she will have to settle
for a firm handshake.