the speaker has left
all the seats are empty
paper cups and plates and rolled-up napkins
are all that's left of the drinks and snacks
the air conditioning has been shut off
a few impassioned participants stay
to discuss experiences and implications
their words flowing as freely as sweat
the lights go out, one by one
the stragglers drift toward the doors
their conversation peters out, but
caught in the moment between lecture and life
no one wants to say goodbye
no one wants to say goodbye
no one wants to say
goodbye.