Large cavernous room.

High, vaulted ceilings.

Wood floor.

Metal and plastic.

Tables and people strategically squished.

Maximum efficiency and profit.

Loud music with exciting beats.

 

Wha_ ___ you o_der?

What?

What did you order?

An individual free range, organic, gluten free pan pizza.

I’ve ___rd those ___ rea___ _ood.

What?

I’ve heard those are really good. I ordered

The grass fed, low fat special chef’s salad.  

 

Lunch rush pace quickens.

Tables fill with gourmand patrons.

Kitchen yells and sizzles.

Dishes clank and glasses ping.

Voices rise in volume

To be heard above the din of diners,

The cacophony of customers.

 

Above the noise and frenzy

A lone voice cries out.

Let’s get out of here!

Fork in hand, he leads the procession

Of trembling, overstimulated followers

To a quiet park.

Silence broken only by the twittering of birds

And the chewing of food.

 

 

By Sue Storts

08/13/2016