the cafeteria line

the fat

women in white smocks

and aprons,

some shorter than we were,

with

hair nets,

and muscled arms

were behind the counter

setting up

more plates

of Salisbury steaks

and green

beans.

a dollop of 

mashed carrots

in shallow bowls,

lining up dixie cups

of stewed tomatoes,

and then

the Jello,

squared onto a plate

with a puff

of cool whip.

we avoided

eye contact with them as

we slid our

trays along. was it really

food?

who's to know.