Nomad Writer

Too many thoughts spent

Pondering the right phrase

Weighting perfect words

To win his lingering gaze

From the engaging discourse

Between cutlery and chinaware

Mocking their light conversation

And meager platitudes

Drowned in the hearty din

Of laughter and lively chatter

Cozy sounds brushing her shoulder

With its enviable warmth

And she clears her throat

Prompting his dark gaze up to hers

An expectant set to his mouth

He asks if she’s okay

His tone a glacial chord of nonchalance

Whittling her begrudging need

To refresh this staid tradition

Of Friday night bistro dates

She nods and smiles —

Mirthless

Defeated

Allowing silence

To rest between them

Heavy and cold