The Killarney Bus

You fall into my arms
a victim of inertia
a corner taken too quickly
crazy bus driver

My skin startling against your skin
my eyes watering
with shock and longing
recognition and sadness

Because I’m already caught
already creating a fairy tale
with another princess
whose eyes were once
as your eyes are now

So let me help you stand up
smile politely
laugh at the awkward moment
witnessed by strangers
holding on for
dear life

Let’s pretend we have not,
in this tiny atom of time,
created and destroyed
a universe of love