The Bagel Triptych
The Bagel Triptych
-1-
GOAT CIRCUS
the cut
stopped
against the acrylic edge
of her thumbnail
just short of costing her
the tip
A GOAT CIRCUS!
she roared
jamming her hand
in a paper towel
with ringleaders who can’t
even cut their own bagels!
the serrated knife
sat in crumbs
stained pink
she sobbed
in the bathroom
he put the envelope
back in his pocket
today wasn't a day
for surprises
***
-2-
I think it happened
on doomsday
she yawned
hidden behind
the severity
of her razor-cut bob
or maybe saturday
after the visit
to the doctor's office
when you bought me
half a dozen bagels
whatever the case
it was just a falsehood –
hair on the floor swept away
sesame and poppy seeds in a dustpan
***
-3-
Hankering for something new
she'd sold it all:
the rings
and trinkets
she didn't need
the key’s in the lock
on a sticky note
on the envelope
that no longer smelled of him
the passport picture
looked nothing like her
hair cropped close
scalp all too shiny
she exited the deli
maybe naan for a change
***
R L Raymond, Originally published in different places