Yes Mom, in the way I can

by Lilah George


Half vintage store, quarter diner 
“Quarter pounder veggie burger” 
I say, remember 
You said 2009, your punk internet forums 
You scraped cheese off pizza 
‘Making it vegan’ 
They kicked you off that forum not long after 
                                                                            “What are you majoring in?”
“Philosophy and English.”
                                                                            “Can that pay rent?” 
“Of course not.” 
                                                                     “Nana’s stopped walking stairs 
                                                         Once you stop, you never do it again.” 
“Never is harsh.” 
                                                     “What, you think she’ll do stairs again?” 

Chipped plates and multi-sized cups 
Step-dad comments 
Waiter seemed real autistic. 
Steam blows in my face 
You joke about your job 
Marketing at the Pennsylvania State lottery 

“What else do old people have to do?” 

The waiter asks how the food was 
Bun and potato chips, gone 
The burger sitting 
Nibbled
Vulnerable 
Bare 

“Good.”

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