ask your neighbour for a cup of sugar

ask your neighbour for a cup of sugar
and while you’re standing, waiting
let your eyes stroll around

yesterday: Friday night
there was a loudness to your heartbeat that unnerved you
a rising sense of panic that was frightening
mostly because you knew there was no one around
to distract you from it
and you wanted to dive into your television
to escape it

but, see, as she hands you the sugar
white and gleaming
that look in her eye–of gratitude



ask your neighbour for a cup of sugar
and while you’re standing there
let your eyes stroll around

see the orange peel on the counter
last night’s take-out containers in the sink
the DVD on her kitchen table

on any kitchen table
in any neighbour’s sink
on any Friday night
hearts all over the city
are beating too loudly
and everybody sometimes feels alone

~ LL