20 october

part of playing a game
is wondering if you are alone
or if someone else --
    quite possibly a known one --
is making moves, too
strategizing
considering timing
weighing choice words
like abstract vegetarian steaks
raising stakes like cattle
cuddling close potential
turning aside coolly
    wholly disinterested
    -- as if --
debating appearance options
debating appearing
there is no score to keep
anyway, who would keep it
there is only giving away
to be sure of, anyway