With a quick flick of the wrist
he snaps the crisp tablecloth
into place and smooths
the white linen’s creases.
This is his favorite time of day─
the lull before he greets
throngs of famished guests
who care less about wrinkles
in a covering than the speed
with which wine flows
and food arrives, steamy,
appetizing, and plentiful.
He steps back to inspect his work,
smiles his approval of the ambiance,
rushes a hasty sign of the cross,
and welcomes the first seating.
