The Smallest Tilt

Across the room, the noise

a dull wave. I saw them,

head tilted back, that particular

open throat laugh.

Not for me.

A quick, shared glance,

a sudden flicker of light

in their eyes,

not reaching my side of the room.

The hum of other voices

just background now.

The sharp intake of air

before that laugh,

a sound I used to know

better than my own breath.

Now, just a performance

I am not part of.