a long night into morning

it's a breakfast

buffet

at the no tell motel

along

the interstate.

i'm with Susie who is still in

her black

dress and high heels,

the same outfit

she was wearing last night

when we sat next to each

other at the bar

in very dim light.

we get in line.

there are scrambled

eggs and bacon, potatoes,

and pancakes

that sort of thing.

still recognizable despite

the heat

and time.

eleven forty-five

by my watch.

we grab a cold plate,

a tin fork and spoon, a butter

knife.

we set it all on our plastic

tray,

and slide along.

already i regret

what i'm about to eat,

as i am

by who i'm with,

who i met last night.