i’ve been going to
this little italian place for years
in the gaslight district
of my old neighborhood
the food
perfect
the wait staff
impeccable
i have dined with everyone whom i love there
the owner
dark olive oil beautiful
knows my every secret
he’s developed a habit over time
of smiling
as he nods with suspicious eyes
at my male
dining companions
save one
as he brought the check
to the window seat table
full of ludlow street evening light
he leans over
into the greek sea god’s
poetry refined ears
and whispers
all naples and sex
hey man,
i’ll hold her down for you
i winked at them
before consulting
my double of makers mark neat
and thought
well it’s about god damn time
i start living right