After a while
it gets to you.

The happy shift of a friend’s eyes
down to the ground
when asked about her Significant Other

how she’ll blush and shrug
and smile a private smile
spew something generic, like
“I’ve never felt this way before.”

and you’ll pander to her prosperity
because it’s expected of you
and you’re such a goddamn good friend

now the streetlights are speeding by
streaked with rain that brings everyone together
except you
under patterned umbrellas
laughing with a sparkle in their eyes.

when you see them next
their bonds will be strengthened by the weather
and their memories cemented
in that elusive place called “happiness”
that you left long ago.