twenty-something

From the archives: Probably the only poem I've written that I've liked.

Nothing Special

I sat across from his, he sat across
from mine. The four of us just sat there,
quietly, talking from time to time.
The menu is shut, my eyes search the bread
basket, empty, butter and crumbs alone.
Today's special:
hearty tomato bisque,
a tasty teriyaki salmon, and best
of all: a double date with destiny,
a double date from hell. I finish up
my beer. My good friend Dan diagonally,
just smiles at me, he grins from ear to ear.
Boyfriend at left, belongs to me. He rolls
his eyes. The one across is Dan's. He likes
this guy, this Mike.
I don't.
He laughs, too loud,
at his own jokes. It cuts right though the room.
I look at mine. We really only have
one choice: to order another beer.