an attempt at rendering this poetic

I made it through the workday and drove to you

an hour and a half in traffic

stop & go, my brake-light out,

two left lanes closed on 95,

and there was a utility vehicle blocking the right lane on Route 1. Yet,

I had to get to you, I had to let it be known--

As I rounded the corner to your apartment complex you texted me

you were about to get into the shower. Just come in, you said, even though you know I don't like to go in anywhere without knocking.

Through the rain I walked up the steps to your apartment, Tupperware and present in hand.

I walked in and your roommates were playing video-games on the couch.

I folded the clothes in disarray on your bed while I waited for you in your room.

I changed the station to Spongebob and got under your covers.

Eventually, you came in and put on a pair of underwear.

Childlike, you immediately picked up your gift,

you started tearing the paper.

You put it on right away, the tie I had bought for you.

Then your phone rang. You went outside because you had no service,

still in your underwear. Your roommates contemplated locking you out there.

I stayed in your room under the covers, in my raincoat. You were gone for awhile.

You drove us to the Bobby Flay restaurant, angrily like usual.

You're a very angry driver--driving is just something you have to do, another thing you have to do.

We met your parents there, your dad gave you a hug and kissed your cheeks. How Italian was that? I felt out of the loop, not a drop of Italian blood in my body.

Then he gave me a hug for the first time in 3 years, it was weird--I tried to hug from the side because I didn't want to get my makeup on his all-black coat and shirt.

Looking back, perhaps he read that as coldness. I hope not. Just another source of anxiety.

Then your mom came over from the bathroom (I guess?) and she gave you a long hug, too, and kissed your cheeks, too. My parents are truly unaffectionate compared to yours--never realized this before. She gave me a hug and kissed my cheek too.

Maybe they do like me, I contemplated...

Your dad orders a dark chocolate milkshake, accidentally knocks it over on the table once we have sat down. He uses his spoon to get it up and says "What, I paid 5$ for this thing?" You don't look mortified like you did the first time I met them.

We say goodbye to your parents--

We go to cross the street and you give me a kiss on the forehead while we wait for a lull in traffic.

You keep saying "best birthday ever" "all the people I love" and things like that,

and we stop in the liquor store--Jack Daniels Honey--the asian man at the counter asks for your ID. "That's today" he says and gives you a free glass "Happy Birfday" he says, and you're happy.

Some girl almost backs into you as we walk to your car

Instinctively I pull you by the arm closer to me, away from the car--

you remark something about maternal instincts. I don't know why this makes me cringe every time you mention it.

We go back to your apartment, turn on the tv,

and we kiss a lot and I'm glad you're not sick of kissing me.

Eventually you walk me to my car and we kiss some more.

Then it's time for me to brace the long, rainy drive home.

I shoot you a text while I'm waiting to make the U-Turn--"I hope you had the best birthday ever"

No response until midnight thirty, when I'm home and asleep.