Before Closing Time (Poetry)

Night creeps in with her
a dark draught with rain
droplets on her coat
and hair, mascara
streaks ambiguous

‘Gin and lime — no ice’
her voice suggesting
a light-hearted mood
sombre eyes betray
the quick smile a sham

He nods ‘You okay?’
noticing her hand
a little bloody
as she reaches for
the glass — gulps it down

coughs as though it hurts
and says ‘I’m fine thanks’
pushing the glass back
for a refill ‘Just
one more for the road ...’

*

The cops ask about
a drug dealer found
stabbed by the canal
He shakes his head and
fails to mention her