In pre-festive warmth of minced pies and mulled wine,
In the midst of company we spoke and somehow seemed alone.
Common experiences shared danced beneath my skin,
Partners, years practiced, cathartic and akin.
African beats, our mother’s roots, nostalgic and joyful,
jokes made, red faces, nervous shy smiles.
Your friends took us out to a place I’d never been before,
Compared to before, juxtaposed and unfamiliar.
Thick air, euphoria, reckless abandonment.
I drank to conform, step out and give in.
You made me smile, you looked gorgeous, I probably looked out of place.
Should I have kissed you, in this context? I tried to; did I have the chance to?
Is this romance, did you want me to take you home?
Do you want what I want, someone to call your own?
What would have happened after the meat was chewed off the bone?
When the night ended, I slept and felt alone.
