suffocating

suffocating.
4 middle aged and gray
ladies sweetly and ferociously
track their prey. swooping in even
before the minister can make his exit.
they seek me.

small talk and
soft cake bind me
against the wall- against
my will. patient smiles are my only mask.
i am guarded. i'm hung over. i teach
your children. i don't know you.
is this love?
i fumble with
my paper napkin. why are you
talking to me?

out of the corner of my eye
i spot the nearest exit and
cautiously say, i'll see
you next sunday. but i won't.
perhaps this isn't what
i was looking for. most likely
i have no choice.
it must wear off-
eventually the welcoming
committee will call off
the attack.

i should be grateful.