Old Scores (Poetry)

It’s odd that you should see him yesterday
and he should ask if we are still in touch —
the news surprised me — took my breath away —
it’s been so long — I never cared that much

or did I? I can picture him so well
although he must have changed as much as I —
Did he seem happy? Could you really tell?
Did things look good or has luck passed him by?

Not that I’m really bothered, but it’s weird
you bumped into him on the very day
we parted — twenty years ago — I feared
a lonely future... So, what did he say?

I’m curious of course — who wouldn’t be?
And, if I’m honest, I was less than kind —
I took for granted all he offered me —
his feelings were the last thing on my mind.

But when he left I missed him for a while —
a whole lot longer than I thought I would —
the sweet things that he did, his quiet smile —
and nothing since has really been that good.

My fault entirely — but I was quite young
and dazzled by the glitz of Tinsel Town —
my every thought was geared to having fun —
I laughed when he proposed — and turned him down.

And now you say he’s back and living near —
Do you know where? Have you got his address? —
And did you tell him I’m still living here?
You did? — I’d better go and change my dress

and do my hair and makeup — just in case...
I know that’s crazy — why on earth would he
of all the people want to see my face
when I behaved so inexcusably?

I’m being foolish, aren’t I? One thing’s sure —
he’s bound to have a wife, and children, too.
He drives a sports car? That could be a cure
for mid-life crisis. Tell me — red or blue?

Oh, you noticed that he doesn’t wear a ring
so maybe he’s still single after all
and wants to meet in spite of everything
that happened... How the mighty take a fall!

I guess it serves me right — what’s there to lose —
apologies can never come too late —
me being sorry’s bound to spell good news —
a shame he’s had so many years to wait!

Hysterical? Oh, no! — Just in a whirl
of sudden realisation — it’s now plain
my judgement sucked when I was still a girl
but I won’t make the same mistake again.

It’s hard to find a man who’s loyal and kind —
I’ve had my share of losers — mostly poor —
the clock is ticking and The Fates are blind —
true love is rare and hope’s an open door...

You let him have my number? Just like that?
You didn’t wait to check it was okay?
Good God! What were you thinking? Tit for tat?
That was a joke! Besides, Antoine is gay!

I thought old scores were settled — wind-ups done.
You’re saying he might phone me any time?
Amusing how you’ve let me prattle on —
Well, thanks for that — now please get off the line!