Poet’s showcase

Rio at the Diner, 4 a.m.

By Matthew Schmeer

She came to work. Didn’t speak.

It wasn’t clear what was wrong.

She put on her uniform.

Pulled an apron over her head.

Counted last night’s tips.

She’s nearly forty, but not right now.

Not in the quiet of the empty diner.

She exists as if sixteen,

clad in flowered bellbottoms.

Later, she’ll sling hash,

make waffles, poach eggs, fry bacon.

For now, she has tied back

her hair and shrugged awake.

– Matthew Schmeer edits the online journal Poetry Midwest and is assistant professor of English at Johnson County Community College. Submit your poetry via e-mail with a subject line of Poet’s Showcase to mpaget@ljworld.com or send typewritten (not handwritten) submissions to Mindie Paget, 645 N.H., Lawrence 66044, attn: Poet’s Showcase.