In-Between

Everyone was mannered,

Friendly even,

Talking, the piano, drinks,

Partners being partners,

Across the huge room,

Introductions, smiles -

But later the curtains

Fell.

In the dark of late night,

There were soft voices.

Slippered, footfalls in the hall,

A shuffle, a slight bump,

Muffled keys in locks,

Shadows of what came before,

Spirited far away –

Re-naming,

The ties that bind.