Skip the Twist

She couldn't look away from the way
He stabbed his bourbon with a straw
Pushing the ice around in the glass
Slamming it against the sides
Incessant rattling, constant probing.

He couldn't look away from her eyes
Digging for a response, a beckon,
But finding the windows sealed shut,
Suspicion rather than seduction,
Concern rather than compassion.

She saw her concern as compassion
For he was obviously in need
But she smelled his desperation,
And it's a foul cologne, one that
Repels even the kindest heart.

He leaned in even closer,
Peppering her with talk,
For he saw his best shot at his
Prey was to trap it in its lair
And squeeze out any rivals.

She sensed his maneuver,
But knew, unlike him, it
Would fail miserably,
For love needs air and light,
Passion abhors a cage.

He ordered another drink
For himself, but not for her,
The unyielding one who
Rejected him, whiskey straight
With a sharp lemon twist.

She smiled at him, then

Suggested sweet over sour,
Less rather than more,
Share the loving cup,
And it will always be full.