Elmo’s Diner Line-Up

A raucous bunch of contractors
sub-contractors, electricians, bumping
inside the little diner, then pushing
out onto the deck, the ninety degree
weather huffing sweat, yet Jack
settled in, reading the menu,

but looking up, hearing
that musical voice, her estrangement
forgotten, and Jen was laughing,
her head thrown back, her
beautiful neck exposed, and
Jack couldn’t look away,
he needed her
too much.

and the line moved inside, carrying
her to a table well-protected
by her friends
and the buzz of air conditioning.

he could see her smile, but
Johnny punched his arm,
told him to “wake up.”
He ordered the chicken-fried steak.