but then I retreat.
then  I linger near the
exit the rest of the night,
alone,
with the crumpled straw
in my hand
and the temper on my tongue
contained.
my earlier rage not expressed
or not handled as boldly
as it deserved to be;
the proclamations,
the ways out.

I like the way you held my hand
and I like the way you
said my name.
      my name is artemis.

Artemis, without
pause and
aloud.

“the introduction”