Somebody to Take Home

A Poem

Photo by Butuza Gabi on Unsplash

neon signs,
smoke-filled alleys,
and a chill that bites in the air —
oh, it’s another night outside the bar.

and i see you with your crowd,
always the life of the party,
and you’re the center of orbit
as always, as always.

your lips pull back in a smile,
and my friend jabs me in the side
because i’m getting lost in you again
and it’s so damn obvious.

but what can i do?
feelings are catching like fire,
and i’ve known for a long, long time
that you’re the flame and i’m the foolish moth.

one day, i’m going to burn up
in just the memory of you —
but it’s like i’m hurtling forward
toward an end i can no longer avoid.

but i watch from afar,
keeping my fair distance,
as you flirt with all the girls
and look for somebody to take home.