|
Archipelago
by Glenn CurrierMy breakfast platter and coffee at hand
Sandra's on break cell-talking Joe
tells Christi, "No, he's all mine,
but if you want
you can see him later."
The help greets Chester - a regular
his cup at the ready
sausage biscuit ordered.
Outside juniper-born bugs
a feast for the birds
swooping down -
a marvel of agility.
Male grackle struts
courting a would-be mate
she snubs him.
He flees
to dance for another
with better taste.
Inside, two booths over,
my back to them,
soft Spanish caresses
float across the table
her hand in his
they need not whisper
for privacy
from the curious gringo.
The lunch rush begins
patties sizzle
workers in for a feed
and a fifteen minute rant
about the dumb new boss.
I am Darwin
watching natural selection
at this archipelago
on the corner
of the main drag. 06/10/2008 Author's Note: Dedicated to Chrystalinda who knows my sausage-and-egg-biscuit voice on the drive-thru mike. I am her one-salt man - in the darkness of those early mornings on my way to work.
Posted on 06/11/2008
Copyright © 2024 Glenn Currier
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Bruce W Niedt on 06/11/08 at 11:35 AM Love this, Glenn - perfectly captures the feel of lunchtime bustle, and the busy mix of sight, sound and smell - even the animal world gets involved (the snubbed grackle is great) - terrific piece.... d:-) |
| Posted by Charlie Morgan on 06/11/08 at 04:27 PM ...glenn, i absolutely love this...absolutely...charlie |
| Posted by Alison McKenzie on 06/12/08 at 05:47 AM This is so vivid, the record of it handed down, now, to us, the delighted readers! It's lovely, Glenn! |
| Posted by Charles E Minshall on 06/12/08 at 05:56 AM I felt as if I were there. Good writing Glenn...CharMin |
| Posted by Philip F De Pinto on 06/12/08 at 11:55 AM the curious thing about poets is that they can't simply sit down to eat at the eatery and enjoy whatever it is they are ingesting, rather they must make acute observance of the scene and/or scenery and make compilation of them in this very delightful ode. as usual, Glenn, your modus operandi is to take the ordinary event and make it extra, and that is certainly consistent with an evolving. |
| Posted by Chris Sorrenti on 06/13/08 at 12:03 PM Excellent buildup and descriptiveness Glenn, legitimized by that killer closing stanza. Adds to favourites. |
| Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 06/14/08 at 08:07 PM I love your calm voice reflecting the bustle of this, the everyday - it's warm, and a slice of your world I enjoyed reading very much. |
| Posted by David R Spellman on 06/15/08 at 02:37 PM Wonderful look at a scene so common and repeated so often in so many places. An excellent snapshot well crafted! |
| Posted by Laurie Blum on 06/16/08 at 03:41 PM What I really like about this poem is the dedication. How lovely that you have made this gesture to someone you see most everyday. I hope you printed out a copy to hand to Chrystalinda the next time you pay for your sausage and egg biscuit. |
|
