Everybody But You

Could’ve been home an hour ago. Took the long way. You know. Quarter past two at the place we ate, Guy at the counter sets out two plates. I say, “Just me.” He takes yours away. I move my phone to the empty space. Through the diner glass, there’s a coat like yours. I’m out of my seat, halfway to the door. Same dark green, same hair tucked back— She turns around. I hate that. I know you don’t live around here now. Still catch myself checking the crowd. Somebody turns, and I hold my breath For half a second, you never left. This city’s got everybody but you. I keep turning like you’re gonna come through. Shoulder to shoulder, I’m coming apart, Almost call out your name, then I swallow it hard. Where do I go with a night this long? I know the way home, but I keep walking on. Every street that I take, every room I walk through This city’s got everybody but you. Friends say, “Come out.” So I go, so I try. They move down the booth. I squeeze in beside. I laugh half a second too late at a joke. Step out for some air with the people who smoke. You used to call when my shift ran late, Stay on the line till I reached our place. Now I hear my keys all the way down the hall. Never knew they were loud at all. I know that leaving doesn’t make you cruel. Some nights I wish I could blame it on you. Then something good happens, and without thinking You’re still the first one I want to tell it to. This city’s got everybody but you. I keep turning like you’re gonna come through. Every street that I take, every room I walk through This city’s got everybody but you. If I saw you Would I ask how you’ve been? Would I say, “Just passing,” Like I haven’t walked here again? I want you to miss me. I’m ashamed, but I do. I miss who I was When you wanted me too. And the worst part If you called, I’d come down. Shoes on. Keys out. I’d still come down. This city’s got everybody but you. I keep turning like you’re gonna come through. Shoulder to shoulder, I’m coming apart, Almost call out your name, then I swallow it hard. Where do I go with a night this long? I know the way home, but I keep walking on. Every street that I take, every room I walk through This city’s got everybody but you. Everybody but you. (I STILL LOOK FOR YOU!) Guy at the counter knows my face. Tomorrow he’ll only put out one plate.