Rideshare Resolution

Late spring storm
western Dakota
we are not lovers
not one iota,
Just two travelers
making our way
last room at the Inn
stop for the day,

Down to the bar
beer and a shot
cold outside
but in here, hot,
Take off our jackets
hang on the hook
for the first time
take a serious look,

My traveling companion
with just a first name
in some other life
some other game,
We’d probably hook up
situation like this
the bartender asks
“one more? miss,”

She nods at him
looks back at me
what is she thinking
what does she see,
Sharing a ride
with a stranger like me
what is she thinking
what does she see?

Music is playing
two guys shooting pool
we’re both sitting
our own bar stool,
Both wearing jeans
faded and worn
I was probably twenty
the day she was born,

Had hoped to drive
through the night
but road conditions
gave me a fright,
So here we are
assessing each other
wishing, perhaps
were with some other,

Next to the bar
at the restaurant, we eat
the waitress says
“take a seat”,
The corner booth
sit on opposite sides
like one of those
carnival rides,

Safety bar down
keep hands in sight
we examine each other
and might, all night,
The food is ok
storm outside blowing
where have we been
where is this going?

Back to the bar?
back to the Inn?
will anything start
how will it end?
Should I ask her
will she ask me
still unresolved
when I turn the key,