by the slice

 


I feel it!

in my stomach

that low vibration
of want...

need

I crave pizza

not a whole pie
mind you

just a slice or
two

but there is a
problem

around here most
of the pizza shops
that sell by the slice
are already closed

leaving me with the
damnable choice of
a dozen cookie cutter
big outfit cooperate
America pizza chains

with their crust that
taste like paste

their cheese as flat
as a glass bottom
boat

and sauce so watered
down it would make
your lawn grow

and even if I would
call I don't think
they would sell me
a slice or two

bet if I lived in
N.Y.City

Philadelphia


Chicago

or even Pittsburgh

I could still buy
a slice or two
somewhere at
this time of night

but I don't live in
any of those more
cultured places

I live here

right in the armpit
of the cosmos

MY GOD!

what have I been
reduce to?