she stood there for a long time
admiring this stranger from across the room
watching his hand at the small of his dance partner’s back
the way they glided effortlessly around the room
she couldn’t turn away
studied his broad shoulders
his dashing eyes
handsome face
and the longer she watched, she became acutely aware
of her hand on the table beside her
allowing herself to rest on its hardness
she continued to stare
could not resist the urge to let her eyes
follow the length of his legs
from foot to waist then waist to floor
wondering if she had ever been held as close
surveyed every single expression he made
the music slowed and in the spur of the moment
realized how altogether lonely
she really was