Bored by the metronomic music I sat

and watched the other customers nearby.

She leaned her face into the younger guys

at the table and gazed into their eyes.

So close. No freshness bloom of youth

flowered her face though still attractive.

The sheen produced by years of make-up

didn't hide the start of sinking in her cheeks.

One after another the men drifted off

until one only could-be courting couple

remained facing each other and kissed.

An older man appeared. His wife stood up,

whispered goodbye. Together they walked away.