(Soft Eggs and Toast)
The counter seats of
most restaurants
are full of men
who have no one at home
to cook their
soft eggs and toast.
These elderly gents
leave the house wearing their
favorite baseball cap and
“Worlds Best Grandpa”
sweatshirt
and take their
place at the counter
with their friends from
the neighborhood
who have unwillingly joined the
“She Left Before Me” club
(though some silently refer to it as the
“I Was Supposed to Go First” club)
and though they boast
bravely
of their willingness to be
done with it all
happy once again
reunited with love
they do their best to
hide their fear
on days when
their destiny
overwhelms them
with news of
an opening in the club
and a place at the counter.
Ken Owen Van Niddy Press
October 2018