Angelina's Menu

The waiter probably has it memorized
with just the right pauses
at just the right turns of sauces
and wines that won't disappoint.

We consider the table linens
and the sweating water glasses
and turn on our heels
for the Tea Garden's dim charm.

The fried rice and bean curd are greasy
and the tea bitter. The fortunes are under impressive
but the waitress shares the birthday with my son.

She suddenly becomes one of the family
in a way that Angelina's fine Italian lines
can only be adopted
and not born of endless love.