There are mistakes you make once
and then never again.
There are mistakes you don’t realize are mistakes
until the stark morning shows you the facts
in bright daylight
and you understand
with vivid horror
just how you were a fool.

I was a fool
last night.
Had I thought about your itinerary
how long you’d be in town
and what else you had to do,
I would have pulled it out
and exploited my favorite tool
to the best of my ability.

I should have taken your picture
over and again
had I realized it would be our last time
I would have had the chance.
If I had thought it through
I would have recorded your
white fringe boots clacking down the streets
of my city,
the long slit of your skirt
proving a view of tanned legs
and perfect knees.

I could have made prints of your shiny granny glasses
your bandana
your irregular uneven smile
and your sensuous pout.
I would have chronicled you
for my memory
and to prove that someone like you
was once seen
with someone like me.

I thought I had more time.
I thought there would be another chance.
I suffered youth’s folly
and will always regret
what I lost
due to my false belief
in a future I never got to see.

There are mistakes you make once
and then never again

and
there are mistakes you repeat
ad nauseum
ad infinitum
until you die.

I pray
that this mistake was the former
and, if not,
I pray that the Hindi are right
so I might get another chance.