head game

there were a lot of people to take in--
   to observe

   make up stories about 

my dad taught me how to do that - how to watch people - - - 

imagine
imagine their name, start there ....
what line of work are they in why are they here what do they love to do are they happy?
tonight...
it was
the doctor across the aisle
and
the woman in front of me with the black & white scarf like my mothers
the doctor was restless, running his hands thru his thick gray hair repeatedly
large hands, capable & skilled .... his legs never quit moving, thrumming, tapping to some interior melody that made it almost possible for him to listen
the woman was invited to attend but hadn't a clue as to what this event was

she was lonely and unsure of her place in the world

but resolved & stubborn 

she would have a good goddamn time if it killed her

she was a professional bowler
his name was Theo

hers was Alice
the two would meet later over Riesling & rice crackers

      they would discover a shared a love of Portuguese & New Orleans
They were both named after poets