A whisper in a night lane, a change of direction invites a quiet bar, and a stranger without a drink. On her way home, her heels now click on a path, she never knew existed. A rhythmic tap of his nails upon the table, she opens the door, heads for the bar. Unaware of the bartender’s unnatural stare, or the amusement in his eyes. No harm can come from one last drink. She’s sure the rain outside has washed away the bourbon. Quiet whispers, an unsocial place. The stranger without a drink catches her eye. A silent summons, she makes her way over. Wickedness in his pale green eyes, a stare that makes her body tremble. Underlying passion keeps her still. Minimal conversation passes, much is said. He’s not looking for love, but neither was she. He stands, and she follows.

He says, “I love you.” She thinks aloud,
“There’s no such thing, but we can pretend.”

I fell in love with a daydream.
It made me want to be a better person.
It’s almost New Year’s Eve –
a time for resolutions;
I want to fall in love.