the music is throbbing
through the darkened gym
when we arrive
as a group
and are herded like cattle to the
bored looking
bald guy who is taking pictures
of every couple
Ferdi poses proudly between
the twins
(though Carly doesn’t seem
quite as pleased)
Ben and I go next
he squeezes me close
making me laugh
at the last second

the band is amazing
with just the right mix
of fun and funk
and we dance for hours
before we even stop for a drink
Ben makes me laugh
by making up new words to the songs
and singing them
badly
in my ear

singing is not one of his better points

and until he stops to answer his cell phone
it’s been a practically perfect night