A few people from work
out to get lunch
you in the middle, me
on the right
all new employees, first time
we’re all together
You can tell how long ago this was —
that car had a bench seat.
On the floor there is a hump
where the car’s transmission fits
you have to keep your feet up on it, no choice
and keep your knees together, no choice
so your leg does not touch mine
I keep my knees together, too
so I don’t infringe.
Why, we hardly know each other.
It’s hard for a human to
keep both knees together
that long, but it seems we must
for miles and miles,
almost exhausting.
Me in my suit
you in your summer dress
your feet high upon the hump.
Mind if I relax, I finally ask;
you laugh, and you relax too.
Your leg is warm
through your summer dress
we are friends
nothing can come of this