Perfect Stranger

I come to the party alone, rather late

Reluctant, I dawdle a bit by the gate.

The Equinox witnessed both heartbreak and strife:

By Solstice, I’d moved out, no longer a wife.

Let the bubbly flow freely and drown out all fears

After three years of marriage, after twelve weeks of tears.

***

From the open front door, mirth spills into the night

so I take a deep breath and step into the light.

The guests are festooned in their satin and lace,

Silly glasses and glitter on everyone's face.

I say my hellos, kiss the host on the cheek

I’m convinced I won’t cry if I don’t have to speak.

I fill a small plate with cheese and with fruit:

with food in my mouth, I'm conveniently mute.

Sequins and feathers, rhinestones and silk

With amber of honey and moonstones of milk.

Dressed to the nines, we're all playing along:

A collective eschewing of rightness and wrong.

Why make resolutions, so promptly rebuffed?

Let’s just dance and let’s drink and pretend that’s enough.

***

I suddenly hear my ex laugh – right on cue

Her attendance was likely, but I can't say I knew.

I shrink, feeling burdened with bitterness, grief

I can't make a scene: I must find swift relief.

I make my way out to the garden to hide

from the stories, the memories that haunt me inside.

I trade shimmering silvers and loud, gala reds

for a grey granite bench near some dry flower beds.

***

And that's when I see you, peering out from the fray.

You look right at me and you don't look away.

Your fur coat – a bold choice – is both stunning and sleek;

Your whole vibe is poised and symmetrical, chic.

Your eyes are magnetic, your body is svelte

It’s Love at first sight and I feel my heart melt.

***

Now I know why I came: this was surely To Be.

You come sit by my side and lean up against me.

I place my right hand on the small of your back

And you stretch and you reach, gently touching my lap.

One soul in two forms, ordained from above

To know and be known, to love and be loved.

***

10! 9! 8, 7, 6! -- let the countdown begin

They cry 5! and then 4! -- my thumb traces your chin

Knowing all of the pain of the Past is not Now,

I gratefully press my coy smile to your brow.

Held and connected by passion and grace,

3, 2, and 1! -- here we are, face to face.

Roman candles and crackers, fireworks thundering with pride

As within, so without: hear my pulse, amplified.

As above, so below: like the sparklers, I’m bright

But you’re skittish and flee from the din, out of sight.

***

Just like that, I’m alone, but I know that there’s hope

I may be on my own, but I’m able to cope.

Perhaps this time next year, we will meet once again.

I may have found Love with a human, by then.

Take my coat, hail a Lyft, no one left to impress

As I pluck your grey fur from my wrinkled black dress.