She Before Me

(Soft Eggs and Toast)

Photograph by Dianne Woods

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 

“World's 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

when reunited with their 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