a world of this

i hear the couple next to me
at lunch
fighting.
i sigh and wince.
i get another drink, nibble
at the food on my
plate.
it's a gorgeous day.
mild and sunny.
a wisp of white clouds above
the trees swim easily
along
the boulevard.
i turn the other way
so as not to hear so much.
she's crying,
he's angry.

their food gets cold,
the ice in their drinks
melts over the edge of the glasses.
the waiter arrives and leaves
without a word.

i hate the world that owns
this.
i despise
the death of love, the grief
of lovers
gone sour. the betrayal
and lies
we indulge in when
it's over.

i want to turn to them and say
stop.
no more.
i want to wave a magic wand
over their sorrow
and make everything okay.
to steal a cupid's arrow
and aim straight towards each

troubled heart.