#mouths

do you want to learn how to dine with me? what i want when you offer your red mouth

a proper feast needs sense, set, & setting meals are not snacks they’re for savoring

make time and places pray before your God white cloths, gloves, trays full of silvers

begin as always: dim lamps, kiss the chef thank the waiter for deferring her hunger

a tasting takes time i need you to try it lift up glass cloches attune to the scents

soak crumbs in sauce suck juice from flesh pull the pin in your watch—let go of time

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