light enters through the doorway
with the majesty of a falling summer.

he ascends the stairs
looking four times as old
in the darkness.

you sit down beside me
& in the smog of it all
you do not recognise me.

i want to tell you
that i got what i wanted,
that i got more than i deserved
but you don't even glance my way
((how did you fare? do you know?))

so i sigh & remember
you're just the fool i met
in the library.

the lights rush upon the hall
in all their ancient gloom
my eyes shut in the shock
of vision & noise.

i flee down the stairs
& take the lift alone
to locker fourohfouroh.

flick back my hair
test out a smile
tilt my head
& exit.

it all lifts away,
i feel content.