on occasion,
bits of her broke free.
they slipped onto
greasy platters
piled high with
thick cured bacon and
fluffy scrambled eggs.
were made palatable
with a gloss of
sweet cream butter
or a slathering
of strawberry jam.
washed down
behind strong
hot coffee slurped
from never empty
cups which sat atop
the cool laminate
counter top
behind which-
she existed.
A while back I was involved in a comment conversation that revolved around the idea that certain classes of people seem only to exist in the setting in which they are familiar to us. I believe this piece to be an off shoot of that conversation.
Thru Violet's Lentz 
This seems to be a perfect example of such a person.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I agree and so grippingly well described
LikeLiked by 2 people
Indeed!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
You had my attention on the food…now I’m craving bacon and eggs 🤤
LikeLike
Hope you had a good breakfast after reading this then!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah-ha. Does that not suggest certain people don certain personas when entering certain key environments? In other words, some folks, maybe all folks, wears masks for work. Possible? Only a suggestion.
LikeLike
I think that has a lot to do with it. Which is exactly why why I elude to her sugar coating and greasing up things she says about herself. I wonder sometimes what people who know me from a work environment would think of me if I really opened up!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The convenience of a mask…
LikeLike
Fantastic, J! The details and the person exist only in the diner and you’ve made it so interesting to read.
LikeLike
Wasn’t that you I was talking to about this? I couldn’t find the post…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nope. 🙂 Maybe Crispina?
LikeLike
What I liked about this Violet was I connected in that I know people in cafes etc who exhibit these same qualities. Well done for taking me there. There used to be a food market I visited a few times over the years and there was a lady who was always there dishing out Indian cuisine. I wondered what sort of life she must have had if day in and day out she was dishing out Lamb korma.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Michael for resonating with this. It’s something very interesting to think about.
LikeLike
good observations and I love the structure of your poem. when i take off my white coat and step out for lunch patients who saw me minutes ago don’t return my smile – I was someone they never knew. I was told after I struck up a conversation with one of them!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly! In costume we are not only visible, but have a real life outside of their perception.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good poem. I liked the perspective you took, which makes sense given the inspiration.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, HRR. The whole thing evolved out of the poem so I am glad you liked it.
LikeLiked by 1 person