The Party's End

you have to know

when it's time to go

not when the clock says it's so

but when the beat

is out of synch

when there is no place to retreat

when the chain's end has no link

rise slowly and leave

no one will peceive

you're no longer there

despite the empty chair

depart with alacrity

but for the lingering pity

that all you have known

for those whom you've shown

that what happened as "should"

had never been what it could.

to know faintly in pain

the chance will not come again.

vanish in bliss

except for one last kiss

from one whose life will be missed

forever estranged

she yet whispers your name.