Thank you for smoking

Phone calls at 2 in the morning
When you'd had too much to drink
You sound so cute when you're slurring your speech
Words never cut so deep.

Secret pleasure came
In being needed by you.
The only two people in the city still up
Connected by a phone line and a similar age.
But that was all.
Oh the night is always the right time for us.

Barefeet on the wet concrete
2007 here we come.
Cheering the year in the moonlight
Beers in hand and a breeze in the air
I never felt so free
You really did look charming in your tux.
My band T and jeans a sharp contrast
A tangible example of our different worlds.

Could we talk in my car for awhile?
Of course.
It was getting chilly anyway.
California dreaming and sharing more than was intended
Each unanswered ring of your phone
A silent victory for me.
Take off that ridiculous hat before they see you.

Could you call me tonite?
Why not.
I crave being needed
Even for something this trivial.
Yes, the exponent is outside of the parentheses
And by the way
How was prom?
Our casual conversations like a long-awaited cup of coffee.

Could I give you a ride home?
I suppose.
Your critique of my driving was worth the extra gas.
Windows down, music up
Or was that voices?

Could you smoke out the window?
Sure.
We'll have to stop for a lighter.
But the image of you in the passenger seat,
Cigarette in hand,
Blowing smoke into the wind,
And laughing at the people beside us
In that way you do.
Well-worth the trouble,
The rush, and the tardiness.

I must say,
Thank you for smoking.