Autumn 1984

Bright noise and harsh lights - treacherous city
But we are the heros today. Flying
On speed past flickering faces, we drink
Their applause - rinsed clean in the rain. Today
We cannot die and they, wish-believing,
Swim in eternity too.

I saw her
pale face, black shirt and blue faded jeans. Her
wide opaque eyes. The hair pulled tight back and
her high cheeks beautiful and smooth and pure.
Playing with the buckle on her belt. No
rings there anymore - she used to have one
with a very sharp edge.

Just a flicker
Passed across my face. No more. A shadow
Of after and before.
She saw, and knew.