Running the Tap

I laughed because they all were laughing.

Because the alternative took

more courage than I had at the table.

Someone not there was the hook

of the whole story. I said excuse me.

Found the bathroom, turned the tap.

My face in the mirror still warm,

still folded into the shape

of someone having a good time.

The water ran. I didn't wash.

Another punchline came through the door.

I dried my hands. Not on the cloth

towel. On my jeans. Then went

back out and sat down and I think

I laughed again—I think I did.

The water running. The sink.