Another Saturday Night

She gave me a wink
from the end of the bar
blinking neon
like some distant star,
Faded jeans
tee-shirt with words
churning milk
collecting the curds,

Whey too obtuse
way too absurd
gave her a napkin
written with words,
Reads it and wads
it up with a grin
holds up two fingers
bartender, Slim,

He brings us two beers
tall bottles, cold
ask her if I’m
being too bold,
Says: you’re drinking
my beer, so guess not
an early evening
Gordian Knot,

Move to a table
order some food
ask her for what
is she in the mood,
Orders a steak
medium rare
I do too
perhaps a matched pair,

Trio on stage
piano, base, vocal
two guys and a girl
sign says they’re local,
They perform while we eat
the mixture is nice
she looks up at me
smiles once or twice,

Now, one might guess
where this story goes
no big surprise
I suppose,
But those paths diverging
in the woods can be tricky
even lost souls
can, sometimes, be picky,

Group takes a break
as we finish our brew
she says: sometime, again
I’ll see you,
But now I need
to get off to sleep
tomorrow comes early
promises to keep,

I consider my options
to leave or to stay
juggling fantasies
what can I say?
The trio returns
I watch but don’t drink
go to the restroom
wash my face in the sink,

I drive home alone
like nights before
take off my clothes
drop them on the floor,
Look out the window
then climb into bed
the bar trio music
floats in my head …