It could have gone disastrously
and it did.

I saw you again
at the usual place.
I was taking up space.
You were taking my breath, as usual.
You were taking in drinks at an unusual pace.

I don’t know if you just needed to let off steam
or if you were upset
or if you were just really thirsty
but I saw you bumping and winding yourself around the bar.
Normally we get to chat a little
but you were poured into a cab,
vomit-splashed, within an hour.

This will not be the day
I take your picture.
I do not wish to remember you
in this state.
There will be better times
to record you for posterity.
This night will not do.
There will be no dances
no fair embraces for me and you.
The chase will go on from here.

We will continue elsewhen.