It was a pleasant spring evening
a new moon hung around promising fair sailing,
streetlights gleaned on cars that glided softly on smooth roads
pouring their drivers mellow mood.
In the bar, where I sat drinking beer and reading the papers
an elegant man in dark blue blazer, striped shirt and cravat entered
and sat on opposite me.
I admired the way he smoked his cigarette,
if I had tried I would have got ash on my shoulders,
continued to read my paper and when done left.
Outside a tap on my shoulder
and the stylish man made a lewd suggestion.
The traffic roared,
the moon hid its shame behind a cloud
and streetlights were but a pale imitation of stars.
I’m a people watcher
but have to be more discreet
my hobby can lead to embarrassment.