perhaps they are right
this is no way to be carrying on
but
if she is the same girl
the one that broke into his life
and stole
what
his composure
his satisfaction in an ordered life
free of petty distraction
the sense he held
of his own adequacy
if she is the same girl
he has to know
why
it had to be more than a random encounter
why did she choose him
for what purpose
what did it mean
~
the mirror
suggests a shave may be in order
it has become an effort to attend
to the small things
he was doing well enough for awhile
recovering his poise
until the concert
if it was her
he will make the effort
it may be important
~
he has backtracked
to discover the performer’s name
her name
taken steps to establish
where she will next appear
tonight he will be there
will try to see her in the break
or after the performance
he has to know
a dozen roses
lie on his bed
tightly rolled ruby buds
dark at their edges
... from your friend at emile’s
~