bagels in the city

the line

moves

quickly as we wait

in the snow

for a bagel

at Liberty Bagel

near the park.

so many to choose from.

our stomachs

growl.

we haven't eaten since

midnight

when we had

pizza

at Ray's Original

and before that

steaks

at Sparks.

but we're hungry

just the same

having walked

ten blocks

to get here.

we talk about what kind.

perhaps

cream cheese

today,

or butter on a plain,

or a 

French toast

bagel,

all sugary with

cinnamon.

finally our turn comes

and we find

a dry bench to sit upon

and eat.

then we talk about lunch.