Here we are again .

sitting at the kitchen table

with silverware in hand

doing what we do best ;

prodding, poking,

slicing and cutting.

tearing away and chewing



Our gazes stray from

the mashed potatoes to the

steaks bleeding on our plates

but never/

to the eyes at the other end of the table ;

to the face wanting to be seen



we make small talk

out of the corner of our mouths

as we chew away the fat ;



talking of the meaningless/

how the food is



of the pointless/

how the day went



of the impossible .

. how . are . you .



It's all the same

just as the night before was/

the night before and before/

the table is set

the food is placed

and we sit ;

Far . away .



on this our hallowed ground

our ritual performed

in doublespeak



Pass the salt, please/

a dance for rain



More peas, dear?/

a primal scream



Looks good, honey/

a sacrificial lamb



in your name, we dine

amen