It hits her like a blow
the moment
they spot each other
across a sea of friends
and strangers. His eyes

drink her in, lights
dim, music bright
and the rhythm
already with its grip
around her ankles

and reaching up,
it tangles her emotions
further. He sees her
and he wants to curse
her. But he can’t do

that anymore
than he can resist her
tide that pulls
him, and so he smiles
back. With force,

breaks eye contact.
With effort, she
doesn’t touch his skin,
both breathless
as the first song ends.