the belly dancer

she used to belly dance
for the lunch crowd
down at the fifth avenue
deli. they put her in
the window next to
the cured hams and
lambs on skewers.
she didn't mind
the comparison though,
and she loved
the attention.
the young boys would
come and stare
longingly at her, while
the men would come
in for their subs and
gyros and to look at
her from behind.
her hair was as black
as oil and when she
smiled it was obvious
that her sultry lips
were made for sin.
and when she danced
shook her hips,
and rolled her tight
tanned belly,
well, this was very
good for business.
hot pastrami on rye
and pickles flew
out the door.