Para Médicos Y Amantes

I knew it was all over
when I saw you move the spoon
slowly, as if that afternoon
the blood's heartbeat stopped
in the darkness of that gray cafeteria.

I didn't know what to say, we talked as
if it had been yesterday, no further,
the last time you and I talked,
the last time we had delved
deep into the soul and the chest.

So I spoke to you about my triumphs,
about my latest verses, about myself,
and almost without looking at you, I watched your coffee
that you stirred with exquisite interest
as if your destiny depended on it.

You didn't say anything. You smiled.
Thinking about a date, a new love
that awaited you that same afternoon.
And in the midst of silence, some phrase,
shrapnel from old bombings.

I took you to your house. Our faces brushed
knowing that nothing would
justify new calls,
that our hearts lost interest that afternoon
for doctors and lovers.