wait until you see the pepper shaker

i never

knew

how many waters there were

until

i went to an upscale

restaurant

at the age

of eighteen.

i was used to the hose water

out back,

warm

or hot in the long stretch

of green plastic

tubing,

the spigot,

the handle on the sink or

my hand cupping water

when it rained.

and now

i had to make a decision,

sparkling,

still,

flavored or spring.

luke warm or iced?

the waiter was a connoisseur

of water

holding the bottle out

with both hands,

for us to see.