Ready

Ready

How many flash bulbs. How much film.
How many pictures will I want to take.

How much paper, how many pens.
Who will be there, will someone

lend me a pen if I need one.
What will I think while I look

around the room, who will I notice.
Who is selecting a dress, like me.

Who will arrive at the nightclub
when I do. Will we notice

each other, whose coat will mine
rub up against in the coat check.

All of you could be anyone,
I want to be ready for you,

for your bone structure and
the way you close your eyes

during that song. How do I prepare
to meet that moment I will want

to yank out of line by the collar
and slam my light against.