the fat baby

the fat
pink baby
in the chair
at the French
restaurant
is eating
with his hands.
some food
finds his
mouth, other
food finds
his forehead
and ears.
when he's
finished
he begins to
cry, then scream.
his face
is a bright balloon
about to burst.
you no
longer hear
the music.
taste your food.
all eyes
are on the baby.
the mother
keeps eating.
she doesn't
care. determined
to stay
she orders
more wine,
dessert. spooning
chocolate mousse
into
the baby's mouth.
this calms him.
you order
the same. wanting
the same.