[Cadaverous Pallor]

Leave the intense air conditioning blast
walk in the sun in overly warm clothing
it's a SoCal Afternoon with the heat still rising

A bus stops and a homeless man gets off
as he trips lazily over the curb I'm reminded of all those trapped
in cold corner offices
the bus thinks I want a ride, I shake my head
sling bag, music around my neck
good to go anywhere in this great big land

sidewalk leads me to lunch
good thing cause my head ain't attached
too many dogs to smile at and breezes to lean into
plenty of diners in the shade, diners inside
sit next to an older gentleman at the bar
where the hash is slung with gusto and grease

look around and notice - I'm here.
Colors are bright, seat is soft
I could lose myself in the glint of the ketchup bottle
soda is cold on my teeth
the counter shines scoured silver, the customers laugh
their faces gentle and varied
freckles, ponytails, frills, denim

It's all I can do to not yell - Hello!
Here we all are together, all here at once
let's toast this great happening, take your burger in hand
thank you for coming, I heartily enjoy
this moment spent with all of you

words churn in my stomach
with curly fries
experiencing crunchy, creamy grilled chicken salad
over and over with each bite
Ah me. Texture, contrast
clink, sizzle, hum.

Dylan confesses his secrets in my ears
What a blessing, having leftovers.
The walk back is so brief I almost miss it
I turn up the poetry to drown out the cars
A/C knocks me down as I wander in
gotta put away my travelin' bag now
in swims to do lists and orders of priority
left my SoCal Afternoon outside

-js