under new management

the sign

says under new management.

it's a bold

blue banner

draping

the diner.

i go in.

but it's still Mabel

the waitress

in her pink uniform,

Joe the fry cook is behind

the counter

wiping his hands

on his apron.

the spoons

and forks

are still bent, the dishes

are still cracked

and the vinyl seats

are ripped.

so what's new, i ask Mabel.

oh nothing,

she says.

we're still the same

old place,

runny eggs

and greasy sausage,

Salisbury steak with gravy,

we just bought a sign

to hang up out front

to get more people to

come in.