I took a BREAK from my shift, leaning against a wall outside Tony’s. I was really feeling it today. That dog tired ache in my feet. A busy morning and lunch shift, heck, it’ll do me in these dsys. I used to be able to go forever, but age and arthritis have taken a toll. Seeing a couple of my regulars earlier gave me a little boost, a little surge of energy and POWER to keep going. I take a last drag on my cigarette, and prepare to go back in the DINER. Somewhere, I know a TIMER is going off. Now that Tony is gone, his son, Nico, is in charge. He was a pain as a kid, and he’s proving to be worse as a boss. I don’t want to risk a scene like the last time I was outside too long.

Georg’ann

Three forks, one SLICE.
Tines descend, each fork
a DIVER searching for bottom.
Moving through thick moist
custardy cake, interspersed
layers of thinly sliced pears.

Trying not to devour more
than our share, we each look
at the crowded cafe walls.
Slowing down one sense
by amping another.

Funky art descends from above.
A globe with ring a round
light bulbs becomes a new planet.
Papier-mâché TIGER sits
next to a kitchen TIMER.
Signaling my wild animal instinct.
It’s time for another bite.

Heather