building a sandwich

i remember teaching my son

how

to make

a sandwich.

i'd sit him down at the table

and tell

him

to pay attention, take notes

if he wanted.

i'd put down two slices of bread,

wheat or white,

or a sandwich roll.

although i prefer rye.

you decide i told him.

next we apply

the mustard

or mayo

in broad but gentle

strokes.

then the cheese, provolone

or swiss, the ham,

salami

and roast beef, stacked

high.

centering the cold cuts

is important, i told him.

it needs to be balanced.

the onions cut up finely

on the board were laid

down.

tomatoes sliced thin.

lettuce of course, shredded.

maybe some peppers which

would make him

grin.

then we'd close the sandwich up,

hold it down tightly

and take a knife

to cut it down the middle,

being very careful

to avoid our fingers.

a handful

of chips on the side.

a pickle or two.

a cold drink.

and then we'd carry it

carefully into the

living room,

making sure not to trip

on the dog

underfoot and salivating,

to the coffee table, 

we'd go, two

minutes before the game began.