memory serves

Photo by Valentin B. Kremer from Unsplash

memory serves

like a bad waiter

who should expect no tip

and has no right to bitch about it

it was all too slow

the entree was cold

the water glass unfilled

the coffee gone tepid

and i’m usually such a good tipper

20 percent or more

but memory serves

with lousy service

and will get

no tip from me

memories

should be served hot and fresh

with attentiveness

a white cloth

draped over one arm

like french restaurants in movies

would you like to sniff the cork?

yeah, i bloody well would like to

but memory is off

sneaking a cigarette

by the dumpster behind the kitchen

and ice melts

in my water glass

while i try to remember

what i ordered