bagel in nyc

we found

a bagel shop on east 38th street.

the line was long,

down

the block.

it was cold, snow was

falling.

we huddled

against the building

and each other,

patient

as the line

inched forward.

we had time to decide.

butter or

cream cheese.

onion, or jalapeno.

plain?

maybe everything

with an egg

and bacon

tucked inside,

toasted on wheat.