Leaving the house

Leaving the house,
Shouting 'bye!' to the housemates
Walking to the bus stop
Waiting, shifting weight from leg to leg,
Regarding and being regarded by the other people who wait also?

The bus arriving
Sitting quietly on the top deck
Seeing the same street views
Thinking the same thoughts
Feelings of slight anticipation together with
Slight sense of can't be bothered - It's Too Cold To Be Out

Arriving at the bar
Nodding at the doorman
Squeezing past pissed people
Smelling booze
Dodging cigarettes
Being swished in the face by highlighted hair and
Choked by strong perfume whiffs
Whilst searching,
Looking for the peeps
Who are, oh yes, over there
Gathered in the far corner.

Catching their eyes
Battling across the bar with
Eyebrows raised, in acknowledgment
And a smile that is also a grimace that says
It's So Busy In Here!

Reaching the group

Saying 'hello'
A sense of relief
A feeling of warmth

Lonliness evaporates.