We Went Ahead and Did It Anyway

You invited them. Him bald, stiff
not just from his recent knee op
but as though his joints were pinned
each muscle taut with propriety.
Her meek, checking with him -
a quick flick of the eyes before
and after she spoke.
You sat them down - you'd bought
a patio set especially - four metal chairs
a table top emblazoned with the sun.
You cooked. Skewering the breasts of birds
among perfectly cubed veg.
And I sat out - summoning conversation
as if eking out my last words.
I prayed it would cloud over
slap us with mean rain
while you danced through
to the stereo, spoon in hand
from basting - put on your jazz.