ON THE SECOND FLOOR LANDING, NEXT TO THE CANDY MACHINE

I didn't get drunk often in those days
But I’d reached the point
Where each step required
Mature consideration. Gravity

Was not my friend that night.
I leaned against the  wall
Next to a candy machine as if
Deeply considering the merits
Of Kit-Kat bars and Snickers.
Someone's mother -- someone adorable --
Was suddenly talking to me.
I gave her all the grace I could spare
From my efforts not to fall down.
By all reports I have never again
Been anywhere near so charming.
"You really should marry that man,"
She told her daughter who,
With the wisdom born of youth,
Passionately ignored her.