side by side (Eugene)

Poetry brought us together,

friendship grew, side by side.

I miss a turn or two, 

among all our words, 

there'll be more, next time.

At the end of the evening,

he extends his hand to mine,

warmth to warmth, good night.

He flicks the outside light,

I beep in reply,

our ritual complete,

superstition satisfied,

I drive away, believing

he is safe inside.

Beguiled by this foolery,

I would not see him again.