when we were young

dry mouthed

and hung

over, i look over at my

new lover,

Jeniffer? maybe,

as she sleeps.

i stare at the strange

room,

i see my clothes

on the floor,

my watch

and keys on the nightstand,

one shoe.

i tap her on the arm

and ask her,

how do i get to the beltway

from here.

she says, go down

New Hampshire Avenue,

and you'll

see the signs,

thanks i tell her.

umm, okay, well. 

have a nice day,

call me, she whispers,

yeah, sure.

i give her a friendly tap

on the shoulder,

then i gather my belongings

and slip out the door.