From one side of the partition

she looked up

from her tossed salad state

and mineralised water world

put down her implements

and guided him

a disarming smile.

On the other side

of the international cafe

he was diverted

from the impending roast

and wiping red wine

from his generous lips

he mouthed sweet nothings

in retaliation.

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written 1989 – first published Eureka Street, 29 April 2008