OUT IN THE OPEN

We danced Friday night

to that Friday night music -

The passion was there

but I chose to refuse it -

The sobering sight

of the children & their pride -

The heat & the night

drew us all out from inside.

The girl by my side

& the others who knew me -

They all made me smile

& they all saw right through me -

They all knew my weakness

for people & laughter -

They all knew I wanted

the boy who came after:

The boy dressed in orange,

The candy was raspberry -

His friends were delicious,

His laughter was cherry -

Our goodbye was a smile,

The night was colossal -

I always find joy

when I'm profoundly hostile.

© MAY 6, 2000 By Jason Wright

For Melissa, Lee C, M.V., Maggie, Laurie, & Dawn,

but mostly for Shawn - who's reply made me smile.