dinner conversation

Dinner was grotesque and mired in animal grease.

Culinary transgressions aside, the conversation

was pleasant, the brandy sweet.

You told me I reminded you of your mother.

She used to say 'charity begins at home.'

I replied (a little drunk) 'peace begets peace begets love'

and we laughed.

There is nowhere a surrogate can hide

or blend with others in the room.

This evening abounds with familiar terrain.

I can see my house from here. She is standing

with her back to the wall and is scowling

not at me, but at the brandy.


She prefers beer.