Toast of the Town

Anger that blisters under the skin

raised red welts bloody as sunbeams

that shine sublime through the late evening

clouds as they douse the day

fading to grey, slipping away

as the story unfolds

The lack of attention your nonchalance brings

now the party’s over, the fat lady sings

swinging her handbag slightly unhinged.

A cocktail of all the unimportant things

you thought essential

due a review to the most likely couple in town

til the money ran out

and an about face was called for

A memory of you

studiously studying the wine list

a click of the fingers a flick of the wrist

brings a waiter that browses in elegant trousers

to the table by the window that used to be ours

where we’d watch our faces melt in rain

speckled reflections

and thought ourselves happy

in love

So where did you go to my lovely

why did all the innocence fly

you traded me in like an old car

my scars the star of the show

for me the ignominy of the recycling bin

for you a brighter shiny tomorrow

clambering as always, upwardly mobile

ambitious to escape yesterday’s sorrows

Now I sit alone uninvited

an unwanted ghost at your table

my frozen grin fixed on your latest killing

watching you devour her.

Such a sweet willing morsel

dressed as she is, in her daddy’s

sparkling benevolence

Maitre d’ tips his brow in salute

Paydirt for the paparazzi clowns

swanking and twinkling

Champagne flutes tinkling

Blinis served with quails eggs

and goose liver jam

The most celebrated of late diners

Together, for ever

birds of a feather

Altogether…

The Toast of the Town.