starkers

the biggest steak

we've ever seen arrives on two

porcelain dishes.

our waiter

aldo

brings us more tap water.

another drink.

another basket

of rolls.

a baked potato.

he nods. 

there's pepper onto the salads.

there's a polite

bow, and off he goes.

it's crowded. busy for a thursday

night.

lovers on dates.

old marriages.

new flings.

money is in the air.

martinis.

Frangelico

and anchovies.

there's cappuccino,

and cheesecake.

everyone looks like someone.

there's a table beside us

talking about

the stock market,

and in laws.

the mob boss that was shot

outside

the doors in 1958.

we could stay until it closes

if they'd let us.

there's so much left over,

all into a bag

that we'll shamelessly take.