veggie time

the men
look hopelessly around
the pool
area
where the party is in bloom.
no grille? you hear
one man say.
they put their noses
in the air,
sniffing
for seared meat,
a chicken,
a steak, a bratwurst.
but there is none.
someone's wife
brings you a plate
and offers up a carrot
and some snap peas.
what choice do you have?
you say yes,
and bite down,
dipping a broccoli
stalk into a strange white
sauce.