LOVE Poem: arcade, by JM Roberts

Published as a Top Finalist in The Wingless Dreamer Issue Feb. 2024

I’m not a big fan of games but I have a need to
stand behind my friends in a crowd of friends, laughing
as Sophie and Rob (I just met him tonight)
flail their legs over the neon arrows scoring
practically nothing while I practically have to
scream to hear Lucas over the blinking red/blue/green
clattering coins drinks splashing basketballs
crashing and the sour beer is already going to my head

so naturally all I’m thinking about is you.
the skee-ball game is broken so in between
balls I check my phone, to drag this dialogue on
long past its natural end (we both know it
and ignore it) and I think if I ever won
an Oscar the first thing I’d do is look at you,
because I’d love to see your eyes in complete admiration
and awe in mine. am I a sucker? maybe it’s the noise
pulling my hair every which way and I can’t
make a hoop to save my life goddammit

but by far the most exciting thing to happen to me tonight
is still the total silence of your arms and
your bedroom in the precious 4 hours before
you leave for work, when then at 5am I lay awake listen
to the symphonic shower drizzle and watch you
put on your socks.

Author: poetryfest

Submit your Poetry to the Festival. Three Options: 1) To post. 2) To have performed by an actor 3) To be made into a film. View all posts by poetryfest