Apprehensive Hugs

She patted me on the back.
That's when I knew I had lost.
Nothing I could say, I'd already said it all.
Patted me on the back.
No longer in love,
no more ambition.

Her mother stood listening in the living room.
I don't think she heard
my flesh burning
or the thud of her
daughters boot against my chest.

Thank god for that.