I look over the yellowed stub
of a coat check ticket
finding the red corner
where it joined us in drinking punch,
clinging to my handkerchief and
falling inbetween as we got closer.
The sweat smell still permeates it,
from when I was fingering it in my pocket
as I asked you to dance.
On the floor, we remained close.
Your perfume filled my nose.
I felt your hair brush my cheek
and your hands on my back.
Finally, I trace the crease
where it got crushed
when I pulled you close
and brushed my lips
over your cheek
in a soft goodnight kiss.
Lawrence R. Daffner, 2/94