Eating Out

By luigi_pagano

Mon, 28 Dec 2020
  • 1013 reads
8 comments
 
Not many people in Ted's Diner, tonight.
Just four sitting around the food counter
under the harsh fluorescent light.
There's Ginger and I – who are a couple
and therefore considered a bubble -
plus Tom, with a three-day stubble,
who is with us but two metres apart
and Harry, the server, who is the son
of Ted who, sadly, has long gone.
All of us have got a view
on the recent outbreak's measures
and on the wisdom of the latest curfew.
Thomas, as ever, is full of doubt
and wonders whether he should isolate
when half the nation is out and about.
His is not a real conversation
but a long list of constant complaints
that would test the patience of Job.
Harry is convinced that hospitality
is heading towards a rapid decline
especially now that he's required
to stop serving victuals precisely at nine.
We look at each other with a vacant gaze
and we are gripped by an anxiety attack.
We are depressed and have the blues;
disconsolate we say our tearful goodbyes
and hurriedly leave that eating place
no longer lit by phosphorescent hues.
 
© Luigi Pagano 2020
 
 
Certificate U
Poem
Mutevoli pensieri
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by forest_for_ever on

Sad. but it had to be written.  I found so much in this poem that resonates with me.  Well done Luigi

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Graham, your timely feedback is greatly appreciated as it saved this piece from being binned right away. Until you kindly stopped by, it had been neglected and had recorded less than a dozen hits and no comments. It may be that interest in the topic has diminished because of the 24/7 news saturation or possibly the poem is not up to standard. Anyway, it doesn't really matter, it suffices that it resonates with you and, obviously, me.

Best, Luigi

 

Submitted by hudsonmoon on

Love this modern day take on the Hopper classic, Luigi. You nailed it lretty good.

Hope all is well with you these days.

Rich

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Pleased to hear of your appreciation, Rich. I wanted to recreate an atmosphere similar to the one that Hopper's painting originally conveyed.
We are in good health, thanks for asking.

Best wishes, Luigi

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Luigi,

I saw this picture myself and thought about writing something along the same lines as you, but nothing came to me. I think you've nailed the situation of today perfectly in this poem and glad you kept it here on abc tales.

Well done and wishing you a New Year filled with writing ideas.

Jenny. xx 

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Great minds think alike, Jenny. I am sure you would have produced a better version than mine.
I think that people are getting fed up with hearing about Covid 24/7.
I am working on something different for this I.P. but I shall leave this one online for the time being.
Thanks for your support and best wishes for the New Year.

Luigi xx

 

Submitted by Tom Brown on

Makes me think of Piano Man of Billy Joel. Inappropriate? I'll get into trouble with all these comparisons, of course I am not saying it is as good as Billy Joel. I mean it is just logic. Merely reminds me. Who is Hopper?

When can I get out from my bomb shelter? Is there life out there?

Tom Brown

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hi Tom,
Edward Hopper (July 22, 1882 – May 15, 1967) was an American realist painter and printmaker. While he is widely known for his oil paintings, he was equally proficient as a watercolorist and printmaker in etching. My poem was inspired by his painting "Nighthawks". It is a 1942 oil on canvas painting that portrays people in a downtown diner late at night as viewed through the diner's large glass window.
I can see why it reminds you of the "Piano Man" as it describes a similar situation.
Always nice to hear from you.

Cheers, Luigi