Sparrows Outside the Door

You say hello in passing and I come as promised again and again, this poem written with lines unsaid sparrows gathered outside the restaurant door chattering among themselves a December borne the day fading, sky bleeding red. We talk about seasons brushing hands, and you say the chicken tacos are good. The patron next to me cheers to the touchdown scored, and a couple sits shoulder-to-shoulder taking turns at a video game while I look at you linger growing more beautiful each day. Yearning for the way to tell you more I look for the right words and as you walk back to the kitchen we “high five” and smile. The word friend’s not enough; we've shared lives for two years coming to each other in times of need. Lights in the restaurant cast a neon glow but I know somewhere stars explode. Outside thick flakes drift and fall and the parking lot glistens like a dream. I linger for another moment, stay inside where it’s warm, and look at your face. You say, “See You next time, okay?” Promises implied long for more.