Suddenly between
a sip of champagne
or a stiff drink

sniffing the fireworks air
you're face to face
with the one who
stayed behind

and after a few moments
of amazement she still
remembers your name

cheeks coloured red
maybe by the flames
of disbelief

or a genuine bonfire
or the surprise some
forgotten feelings may ignite

the past shakes free
from the dust of
acceptance
unleashing the perfect
what ifs

I'm sure I'm imagining
all this & yet
the words match
with the looks of a
paused sequel of events
reset in motion

and the ego of a
middle-aged man
rampant with pride
whimpers near the wall
of common sense

afterall I only
took her to the movies
once, for Bog's sake.