There Are Risks Associated With Eating Out

I have to get away from this place
the risk of meeting you on corners
or in the market. I am sick.

If I just happen on your name
not even yours - just your first name
in news reports makes me jolt.

We'll go out for dinner, he says
and I tell him no - I want to cook.
I'll cook his favourite

because what if you're there.
Sitting at a table in the restaurant
resting your wrists on the linen cloth.

The sight of you standing
by the bakery with a paper bag.
Made me double up. He asked

What's wrong? A hand on my knee.
I've eaten something I said.
Didn't tell him it was you.