a giant hunk of red meat

i buy a ninety eight dollar

rib roast.

why is meat so expensive

now.

lack of cows?

i'm scared.

now what?

i lay out 

this giant hunk

of red meat on the cutting

board

and salt it down,

pepper.

i stare at the recipe,

finding it

on you tube. they're talking

too fast.

i can't mess this up.

the pressure is on.

will it burn, will it be

undercooked,

will anyone like it?

will i have to call 911 to save

them from food

poisoning?

for back up i call the local

restaurant and make

reservations for six.