dinner for one

he is content sitting alone
the bustle of the restaurant
a calming reminder
that the buzz of the hive continues
long after his wings are clipped

back in the days he flew free
meals cooked by his wife of 53 years

it's been so long
that's a wistful memory
he conjures up by ordering liver and onions
despite the grimace by the young waitress
a favorite dish
reserved for Sunday nights

he sits and waits
slowly sipping his coffee
with barely trembling hands

waiting for a meal he can no longer cook
waiting for the return of a faithful companion
knowing he can only order one off the menu