Red is this River

How affectionate you are
As you sit on this cold cement sidewalk
Lighting your half-smoked, rolled cigarette
The wind blows out your flame

You turn away for more shelter
Yet remain close to me
As I kneel down beside you

You are waiting for your ride
It will take you away from all of your pain

Your arms are around me
We sit in comfortable silence…

Your friends have shown up to send you on your way
I acknowledge their existence

Someone is calling my name in the distance
I must go

I rise from the ground
Leaning over to kiss your mouth
It tastes like smoke and dirt
But I don't seem to mind
I am always so forgiving of you
Complacent in your presence

I nod my head at the others circling themselves around you
"Nice to meet you" I say
They nod back and look away

I slowly begin to walk away
I start to feel stripped and self-conscious
As if I am being watched or judged by you and your friends

My friends are waiting for me
I smile at them
Everything is now fine