Three

Girlfriends (no boys) at a tall bar table,
Leaning into each other’s shoulders
In the near-dark,
scan the song list
For country songs (classic)
With lyrics we (can fake we) know
Kiss an Angel Good Morning?
King of the Road?
Crazy?

Later (late) in the kitchen,
Shuffling past each other
On the linoleum
in stocking feet, we
Scan the take-out menus
For share-your-stories food
Tomato-feta-cheese-pizza?
Tandoori and basmati rice?
Tater tots (seriously)?

Early morning, girlfriends
With weekend shifts approaching
Flights home, scan their memories
and each other (one last thing!)
For have-I-told-you-yet? (tell me)
My job…?
My kids…?
My partner...?

I remember (you told me)
(I agree) you’re right
That boss, that teacher, that guy
(Can you believe it?)
It’s late. Black sky, emerald lawn
Pin-prick stars
Next time, soon (when?)
Too-loud laughter
Whispered goodbyes.