lost

and needing direction

notice the place just ahead

dirt parking lot

a sign above

cheers

sounds nice enough

walking in

all regulars turning

gazing

deciding i wasn't from their planet

walking taller past each one

to my open seat

waiting at the very end

corner spot

not long before settled in

can't help

the dear

sitting next to me

hear

her talking

sweet and tough

rough n vulnerable

by my calculation

can't afford those baggage fees

throaty

laughing about ex's

oh's

and her beloved

jack

no denying the attraction

fatal brutal

she got up

hoping it wasn't to leave

my eyes followed

her bob and weave

all other eyes followed mine

her jeans worn

right

faded creased

traces

used in a few places

a thick black belt

hitchin a ride

i was straining to see

of any notches evident

experiences felt

relief

conversation starter

veering to the weather

rainy days

learned

don't bother her

just the grey

as she taps her mind

wonder

stop and stutter

have we met

different actress

know i have rented this movie before

finally,

ask

deliberation anticipation

she's going to show this scout

the route

her house

on the way

expectation

a merit badge

soon to be earned

not much of a talker

no shortcuts

circuitous

no bluff

she was dragging

on a marlboro red

soon enough

no need saying much

more

she fell asleep like a child

wild to mild

knew i wasn't staying

my only regret

left

my favorite hat , behind

again