Shirley Temple
trying to tie
a knot on
the cherry
stem that was
used to garnish
a shirley temple
cocktail blend
conversing with
strangers
in diners
about
the tart taste of
grenadine
that I’ve
acquired
I’d flip through
a newspaper
just to read
the comic
and choose a song
on the jukebox
like some
classic oldies hit
staying for a while
longer to enjoy
a melted
vanilla malt
even order fries
on the side and
ask for a generous
dash of salt
swinging my legs
around on the
barstool chairs
checkered
tiled floors,
alternating black
and white squares
enjoying the
informal atmosphere
until I eventually
go on my way
and disappear
- Leah Rae