Someone Else's Story

You’ll open the door and show me in, Flashing me a nervous grin as you Ask a hundred questions and spout a thousand words. I’ll give you my terse replies While you sneak glances at my eyes To look for a reaction or the smallest hint of hope. You’ll smile sheepishly, play your card- Obvious that you’ve worked too hard- And set us up like the movie in your mind. I’ll laugh just at the right spots for you, Crinkle my eyes like you want me to In a smile as wide as a watermelon slice. You’ll think a lot while not enough And though your mental journey’s rough Finally you’ll pull me close as day draws to a close. I’ll tense and shy away, you’ll see- Through pitying apologies I’ll escape out the door and down the street ‘til I’m alone. But will I apologize To you or to myself? This all-too-familiar scene Is straight out of the silver screen. This is a callow dream that isn’t mine- It’s someone else’s story. If I were the architect of prose, Directing my own dreams, I know I’d end up with who I always hoped I would.