Couples Skate

The evening started
with such promise.

The disco ball spun
and every light

that streaked across the floor
seemed to say:

This is your night, Wendy
from Science is here

and after Loverboy
has played

after Journey
has played

after REO
has played

we’ll fade away,
the DJ will put on

Reunited and
your chance

will come. The
Couples Skate.

But, I never
took her hand

and she never
took mine,

for reasons
still lost to me.

Friends, don’t ever
lose your heart

at the skating rink.
The hours between

the shattering
of your dreams

and when your
mom finally gets there

to pick you up
will seem like

the longest of your life.

–May 18, 2016