Deck Party

A simple set-up of barbecue and
Large umbrellas, the hot sunshine
Bouncing off balding heads.

Mother slides the salsa onto
Plates, the chips already placed,
Their packages crinkling to
The touch.

Laughter greets each new arrival, the smell of
Barbecue wafting through the choke-weed
On the shrubs.

Grass looks nifty, newly-trimmed,
Each blade erect for
Now.

If someone wants a drink,
The beer pump whooshes, and foam
Slips down utensils, the cold
Mugs dripping sweat.

Now each plate sizzles with grease,
Mouths pen, tales
Of troubled offices forgotten.

No one resists the dreaded moment,
Each hostess remembers other voices,
Other pains.

Smiles seem so sincere, until
we look into our eyes
In the mirrored bathrooms.

How did it come to this,
The searing heat, these friendships
So forced, no actual experience
To hold dear?