I once kneeled in shaking thrill
I chase the memory of it still, of every chill
Chided by that silence of a hush sublime
Blind to the purpose of the brute divine
But you were mine
Staring in the blackness at some distant star
The thrill of knowing how alone we are, unknown we are
To the wild and to the both of us
I confessed the longing I was dreaming of
Some better love, but there's no better love
Beckons above me and there's no better love
That ever has loved me, there's no better love
Darling, feel better love
Feel better love
I was lucky to make it back to my flat. Between revelers and the 35cm of snow that had already fallen, streets were blocked and buses were running an hour behind schedule. I caught Mrs. Fletcher before she closed up to get a few provisions, thinking I wouldn’t get out for at least a day. “It’s a right mess, eh Mr. Jones?” she was an always cheery middle-aged lady. “And they said we’re supposed to get at least another 40 cm more !” She finished bagging my juice, eggs, shredded cheese, bacon, steak cutlets, and pinto beans and said, “A handsome man like you! Have some cutie to kiss at the stroke of midnight?”
“Leave him alone, Mother. Stop being so nosy!” joking nagged her husband as he came in from the back room. “You’re always trying to couple people.”
“It’s okay, really,” I said trying to at least grin. “I’ve been working hard since Christmas. I’m looking forward to some peace and rest for a day or two.”
Mr. Fletcher nodded then thought for a moment before stopping me from turning around. “Mr. Jones?” He motioned me back to the counter. “Hold on a moment. I think I have something to take the chill off ya.” He got a ladder and climbed up to a top shelf then came down with a dark green cylinder. “This ought to make for a nice toast. Before I married this wonderful woman, I lean on it a time or two.” He put the Glenlivet in a decorative bag with “Happy New Year!” on the outside and handed it to me. “You’re a good customer and, If I know people, and I do, you’re a good man. I’m certain someone right will come along for ya very soon.” He smiled at me kindly, trying to loan me some of his confidence. “Enjoy your holiday, even if it is alone.” He almost made my current misery seem heroic.
