Tonight In The Diner

Tonight In the Diner

In the diner tonight

they stand

side by side,

opposing the sear

of what

is outside.

The steamship round

idles in sizzle.

The grill bristles

in teeth of flame,

ambushing beef strips,

belching burn.

Formica

pink and stained,

wraps the winding counter,

straying from the heat.

Mushrooms of stainless steel

and punctured red vinyl

stand

ready for  sitting,

and support

of

appetites.

The drawer

for cash,

has none tonight.

Toothpicks

for picking,

guard the can

for donations,

to save hungry dogs.

The chef is here tonight

alone.

Tonight this place

is all that’s left.

No diners left

to dine.

Disorder outside.

 Stunned, but

open,

though dwellings

fail and

burn in

in the streets.

I wanted Clam chowder

but think I might

burn,

you see,

tonight

the diner is all that’s

left.

The customers

are burning

out there

in the fire.

Someone wants us dead,

just before dinner

tonight.

Hayward 2006