Date Night, 1974

Cigarette smoke,
ubiquitous
in a restaurant’s air.

Steak, medium rare.
Baked
potato, sour cream, and chives—
the works.

Corduroy jacket, elbow patches.
Bald brow shimmers in the candle
lights from an orange-glass pot
encased in netting or
wrapped with twine.

Shag carpet
absorbs the sound
of other patron’s
conversations.

Cutlery clinks
bread sticks
steak knife
grip molded for a grown man’s hand.

Hairy knuckles
and chest,
a distinguished beard
surrounds a glistening
cherubic mouth
that spouts seduction.

She listens
with disinterest.

2023.09.05 – 2023.12.03