Party

Party

I breathe deeply, swallow tears
As if the action would, in itself, bring you near,
But it doesn't - you're still across the room
Refusing to acknowledge me.

I see you have not changed -
You're still the charmer - there are girls
Tight-circled around you, drinking in
Your every word, enchanted
Like I am
Was
(Slip of the tongue).

It's been years, and yet your shadow falls
Across every single Mr. Maybe -
You are the one they are all measured up against
And, of course, found wanting.

I turn, catch a champagne glass
As it passes on a waiter's arm
And gulp, gulp, gulp, drain it all,
Drowning the sorrows that
Mock me
From your back.