And a happy new year for you too.

once again I waited

for something to happen

for a call late at night

or the sound of a message-

when I didn't wait

things seemed to take quite

a different path; that's how she came

to me, that lonely new year's eve, me-

drunk on fine whiskey.

someone offered her a plastic

crate to sit on, the one with

the folded towel on top

so it would be more comfortable-

she refused it smiling

and holding a half-empty bottle of beer

she came near me

and sat on my lap.

I did not say anything

as she turned her head and looked at me

out of the corner of her bright black eyes-

next time she did so I kissed her.

I could taste the beer in her breath

as I am sure she could taste whiskey

in mine-

forgiveness,

some sort of simple redemption.

I held her close for as long as I could

and when she asked me

whether she should spend the night

I told her no-

I got to like her that much

that I just wanted it to last.