Johnny’s Reef

Frannie Z

 

It’s where City Island

meets the Sound.

Since 1950,

in a grand though illicit tradition,

after gobbling fresh fish and

fries,

people salute the seagulls

with not-quite empty

paper dishes.

 

Some make bets

on how long

It will take.

 

Some wager

on how many.

 

But those who claim a real sporting instinct,

also bet

On whether they’ll gulp the slaw.

 

The cats will clean up the rest.