powdered sugar–
a sticky coughing
sucking my fingers
for residual sweet
breaking beignets–
all steam and heat
scalded decaf sips
in the summer sun.

waitress is expecting–
curved cup lip round
and egg-yolk glowing
setting out silverware
grins, hips swinging–
tin-can radio motown
orange slice honeyed
her laughing out loud.

how lovely, my friends–
holding hands in public
eyes only for each other
smiles no longer shy
forks snatching bites–
salsa cup, cut potatoes
biscuits sopping yolk
boys sharing breakfast.

-Elizabeth Kilcoyne