The Love They Lost. Poem by Charles M Moore

You drank your final whisky
as the barman called last orders
and you looked around for company
to kill the lonely hours
that tormented you with demons
and prevented you from sleeping
from a time when you thought everything
was worth it and worth keeping
till you threw it all away
and said you wanted new beginnings
a younger you when values
never kept or held their meanings
something you can't quite remember
till your head lays on your pillow
and your eyes close to reveal
the love you lost

Sitting at a corner table
with beer glasses all around her
from the men who never knew her
but were happy to have found her
and to tell her she was everything
to flirt with her emotions
as they offered her another drink
and glasses as a token
for the company she gave them
with caresses on the dance floor
then would leave her with their promises
although she wanted much more
to remind her of her youthful days
when romance had a passion
and to take away the meomory
of the love she lost

So you wander over to her
and she smiles quite discreetly
you explain that you've been watching
and she says she's glad to meet you
there you sit for a few minutes
as the waiters clear the tables
and you light another cigarette
while asking if she's is able
to escort you to a taxi
and she willingly obliges
for you have a common purpose
only loneliness disguises
with the company of strangers
and the warmth of their kisses
as you leave your empty glasses
full of memories and wishes
of the love you lost