
Another party
with awkward conversations—
Will I ever learn?
People talk and talk
about the most inane things—
as if I do not.
I try new topics
beyond the hellish heat wave—
nothing in common.
We all stand in line
discussing the food choices:
oooh, what is that there?
I think about Jane Austen.
Does this fill up my dance card?
(August 24, 2026)