I performed the introduction,
and stepped back to avoid
the collision of hearts
that instantly followed.

(But was not supposed to happen.)

The stages blurred
due to their speed:
acquaintances, friends,
lover and beloved, then we.

But I remained and looked on.

For three years he was mine alone.
For what?
Coffee, innocuous conversation, laughs
over inconsequential things.

But no talk of love (mine for him), now faded.

She thinks she knows
my deepest wish,
thinks I would slip
my hand into his in the dark.

That was before…

…I introduced them
…he chose her
…I fell too deep.