the waiter trips

and you hear
the first dish
drop and break
and then the next
one and a glass
or two, once full,
shattering
on the sidewalk
at the crowded cafe
and then more,
a cascade of
silverware rattling
down, a plate
of food, the tray.
all in slow motion
as everything
explodes, and
everyone turns
and sighs, and
feels horrible for
the waiter, and
you have forgotten
completely what
you were going
to say. and she
is glad for that.