the line spills out to the
cold winter wind,
snow in the air
ice hanging off each breath.
“have you all checked in?”
they nod, so I squeeze past
announcing I’m here, “table of one”
she checks the iPad, nods,
and I’m lead to a small corner
seat at a round table.
I’m sure someone feels bad
on my poor behalf, but among
all these loud mouthbreathers
and tired parents with sticky
children, I can’t wait
to order too much sushi
for just one person.

17 January 2026