swagat restaurant, takoma park, maryland.
she waltzes amongst seas of saris,
tangoes around valleys of vindaloo,
proclaiming her relentless priorities
and leaving the entire staff in a fog.
"those khasta kachoris!"
oh, i am terribly sorry
but the cook has eaten them all
like mothers will devour their young.
"the floor is all wet!"
oh, how could i forget
you might slip and break your back
walking in those heedless heels.
"this table is still not clean!"
oh, but don't you mean
that i only have two hands
and a rag is not what they seek.
"the buffet is not ready!"
oh, but this cart is not steady
a few items must be removed
or it will topple like a stupa.
"the trash is overflowing!"
oh, but the customers are growing
and they deserve more attention
than a sack of rubbish.
"the music is turned down!"
oh, take a cursory look round
people would rather converse
than hear the squeals of a sitar.
