Down The Pub

We went to the pub – again.

Every day this week – my pint of Guinness next to his

The music Kim Wilde – Kids in America

Except we were in Tottenham, north London

Near the football ground

I loathe football, unless it’s the World Cup

This pub’s alright 

The barmaid keeps her Alsatian behind the bar 

And it’s adorable

We stared at our pints

Swigged them half down together

I asked him if he loved me

He snuggled closer, didn’t speak

Shrugged as if embarrassed

Would he ever be able to say it aloud?

A year now since we got together

Just before his 19th birthday

And just before my 20th

Kate Bush plays.

‘Oh to be in love, and never get out again

Oh to be in love and never get out again….’

Yes, I was in love

Would I ever get out again?

Did I want to get out again?

Did I want Ariadne’s red thread to lead me out of the labyrinth of love?

‘GOAL!!’ screamed a voice on the overhead TV

I could not be any less interested

And still the question: 

does he love me?