a girl’s gotta eat, grow big & strong food becomes fuel fired brick oven

i have reservations, my seat’s set aside gin martini stirred— small coin of lemon.

white pressed linens red leather cushions polished steel fixtures scarred marble veins

amuse my palate gift from the chef we kindly request: no sharing allowed

a girl’s gotta eat, wash away fears enjoy my choices wet lips, appetite

taste first with eyes each flavor distinct: salt, grit, acid, burn hungering for it all

the first bite builds anticipation of more— a mindless chewing, my posture softens

i lick your plate clean it’s been taken care of have i saved any room? no, some other time

the black bottle kept just out of reach of those who fear my obsidian liquid

a toxicology report: deadly in large doses but taken with care the hurting heals us

sure, share a nightcap wince with me in pain we need this to sting no easier, knowing it

small sips are sweet deeper drinks, bitter stone fruit can’t mask a burning this intense

scared to let you see me like this — red eyes pierce pewter framing you want, no, need to

as the spirit fully hits there’s no stopping this             drink. the cork is broken now