A Romeo's Comeuppance by Donal Mahoney

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Coming toward young Tony now

are the husband and his wife,

that older woman from last night,

the one he danced with New Year's Eve 

while downing Heinekens and shots of Jack,

the one he didn't know was married.

She told him he was tall for just 16

and that he danced like Fred Astaire. 

But now it's noon on New Year's Day 

and the husband just whacked Tony 

harder than the drummer

whacked his drums last night. 

Falling backward like a slab, 

Tony sees the golden halo of the sun 

swirl until it disappears.

Later on the gurney, Tony almost hears

the doctor give the nurse his diagnosis, 

"a Romeo's comeuppance, not to worry."