WHAT MAX SAID.

A COUPLE IN A BAR AND TALK.

Max had bought you a drink
and lit your cigarette
with a lighter he produced
from a pocket.

You wore the black dress
your husband had bought you
before you left him.

Why black?
Max asked.

I like black
it gives me a sense
of mourning
you said.

Mourning for whom?
he said.

The world
the women in it
the poor souls
who are abused
and neglected
you said.

Are you that kind
that mourns for those
other than yourself?
Max said.

You inhaled
and gazed at him.

He was dark haired
and wore a white shirt
and black suit.

Are you?
you said.

Empathy or sympathy?
he said.

Either of them
you said.

Why did you
leave your husband?
he said.

He was having an affair
with some skinny b***h
at his office
you replied.

The bar keeper
brought the drinks
Max had ordered
and laid on them
on the bar.

Max paid him
and the bar keeper
went off to serve another.

How did you find out?
Max said.

A friend told me
she saw them together
coming out of some hotel
in town
you said.

Did he deny it?
Max said.

No he just said
ok so what?
so I left him
you said
and how is
your wife Max?  

He smiled
and let out a puff
of smoke
she's away
gone to look after
her mother
who is unwell
he said.

You want to come
stay the night?
he said.

No it wouldn't be fair
on your wife
you said.

Max smiled
and said
just an offer.
he sipped his drink
and you sipped yours.

You may have
gone with Max
but you didn't want
to join the house
of w****s.