A Secret Love

Rudy waits by the drugstore light. Cigarette smoke curls in the amber

night. He checks his watch for the tenth time, says he's fine.

But I know why. I think he suspects. Mary's late again,

heels clicking fast. Lipstick fresh but it won't quite last. At the dance,

she laughs too loud at someone else's joke while Rudy's heart begins to choke.

I stand in shadows just out of view. What could I do?

Wishing I could tell him what she'll do. She'll break his heart.

But my mouth stays shut, my hands stay cold, while truth turns