A Cheese Omelet at Midnight
You can’t ever leave without saying something,
no matter how insipid. That sweater looks good
on you. It’s supposed to rain tomorrow. I’m sorry
I burned the omelet. Nasdaq has plunged 3%
since last week. And I, in return, can’t let you go without
replying in equal measure. It matches your eyes. I love
to smell rain in August. That cheddar was delicious.
Maybe I’ll start a savings account. Next month.
So I wash dishes when you’re gone, wipe down the
counters, pour salt into the shaker, grab a book, join my
cat in bed. This tune’s been overplayed, the grooves’re
worn down. Maybe next time I’ll say what I mean,
tell you what I want: It would look better in a heap
on the floor. How about a shower here, tonight? Kiss
me and I’ll never think of it again. I don’t give a rat’s
ass about the stock exchange. Step away from that door!
I’ll make your lunch, butter your 7-grain toast, assemble
your IKEA furniture, balance your books, even dye
my hair pink, tattoo a pig on my thigh and drink light beer
in your honor, if you would agree to say what’s on your
mind. On second thought, don’t. Tell me, instead,
what I want to hear, but make it heart-felt. Truthful
and direct. Poached but earnest. Hard-boiled but tender.
I’ll cook your eggs. Invest in me. You’ll earn interest.
* * *
This originally appeared in August 2015, as the 25th offering in the Tupelo Press 30-30 fund raiser. Thank you, Pleasant Street, for sponsoring this.
I love this!
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Thanks, Beth. I enjoyed writing it.
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Reads good, looks good and probably tasted better. 😉 I’ve reposted..https://grumpysgiftspoetry.org/2020/09/12/a-cheese-omelet-at-midnight-robert-okaji-o-at-the-edges/
Cheers and thank you.
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Thanks, Anthony!
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Wonderful poem. Love it!
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Thanks so much, Jim.
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Oh, what a plea! Why can’t they hear what’s important? Loved this, Robert!
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I know that I’ve been guilty of not hearing, of not listening. But I’m trying to do better.
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That’s all anyone can ask. 🙂
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I suppose you’re right!
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🙂
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This took a completely different turn from the title. I was gonna say, midnight snacks are the best! And now I would say, what you wrote sounds great too!
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I’m so pleased it resonates for you. Thanks very much!
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Wow! that must have been some omelette if the poem is this good.
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The toast wasn’t bad, either! 🙂
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😀😀
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Love this. It gets better as we go along.
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Thanks very much, Genie!
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What a fabulous poem. If we only said more of what we were thinking and held a listening space where it could be accepted.
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Thank you, Ali I’m learning to do that. It takes some work, but has been worth the effort!
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Masterful enjambment of the “rat’s ass,” amigo!
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Ha! Thanks, Gary.
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Greetings Robert. I’m awake again at 1 am with my old companion, pain, waiting for the drug to kick in or words. Good to know you’re out there
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I’m still around, Dan. Still trying.
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This was a fun read!
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Thank you! It was a fun one to write.
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a terrific poem; i’m having a second read 🙂
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Thanks, John. So glad you enjoyed it.
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Awesome. This year is taxing and your words brighten the outlook forward.
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Thank you! Poetry is my balm.
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