table for?
one
seated at the edge with a book
having stomped through the middle
brushing conversation off the linen
in passing
always eats alone
some people are hermits
cigarettes used to divert
the ritual of opening, placing the filter tip
striking the match then the smells
sulphur sting, sweet tobacco
the drift of decorous smoke around the lips the nose
casual intentional design
gone.
wait for service
water
wine
bread
a solemn ritual
a religion of solitude
a masque of loneliness
order
regretting the possibilities of surprise
the menu speaks discipline
study words
menu
novel by candle light
pioneer on the prairie
listen to sounds
silverware
corks
conversation elsewhere
would an ipod fill the hollows
finally food
dessert
coffee
settling
departure
party of one
into the night
