Surface Tension

The ice in my cup

is doing a nervous rattle

from the volume of the laughter.

Someone spilled a glass of Merlot

on their shiny black shoe

and everyone cheered like it was a play.

I am watching the water

form a perfect, clear circle

on the paper tablecloth.

It’s a thick, round border

keeping the spilled noise out.

If I move my hand,

the ring will break

and the table will just be wet.