Gloom Seeps Over Different Expectations

Andy’s house, a parent-free zone tonight.

Light spills out the open front door—

party’s on downstairs,

upstairs windows are    b l a c k.

I park the car. Brendan

sits, doesn’t get out.

I love him but know

there’s no way to rescue his    m o o d.

If that were possible, I’d go in,

say hi, steal beer, and park

somewhere—talk, laugh, kiss.

Whatever it    t o o k.

He’s complicated. Sometimes

just shy. Antisocial. Or

depressed. And I’m okay

when it’s only    u s.

Tonight the situation sucks.

I blew off fun with my best friends

to be with Brendan. I’d do it again but sometimes

I wish there was a way to be with    b o t h.

Still, if it came right down to it?

A forever choice?

I’d choose him.

Always.