"Lingering in a Crowded Room" by Rusty Algren

Lingering in a Crowded Room

Lingering in a crowded room,

Lonely and alone.

The people lost amongst themselves,

The laughter, monotone.

Watching quiet from the side,

But wanting to join in,

Lingering in a crowded room,

I'm lost and can't begin.

Couples touching, dancing close,

Becoming one, together.

She watches from the sidelines too,

In finest lace, and leather.

Floating slow across the floor,

She comes, and joins with me.

Lingering in a crowded room,

My heart was just set free.

We talk of nothing much at all,

She laughs, her beauty haunting.

We start to dance, her touch is fire,

I'm full of quiet wanting.

Moving slow around the floor,

We glide, she holds me tight.

Lingering in a crowded room,

Don't ever end, this night.

Looking deep into her eyes,

Quick kiss, and gentle laughter.

A stolen moment in the dark,

Her words "What are you after?"

An elfin smile upon her face,

So shy, yet full of spring.

Lingering in a crowded room,

I feel my heart take wing.

Too soon the evening fades away,

And it's moments full of wonder.

She whispers thanks for this time spent,

As my heart is torn asunder.

She glides away across the floor,

Then waves a sad goodbye.

Lingering in a crowded room,

A single tear I cry.

Another man across the room,

She smiles and goes to him.

The pain and sorrow sharply hit,

For I was but a whim.

I watch her take his arm and leave,

This man she calls her own.

Lingering in a crowded room,

Still lonely and alone.

Rusty Algren

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