I pace back and forth

like a caged animal

waiting

for a stray hand

and an unsuspecting little one

Maybe just one time they won’t pay attention

and I can slip them between the bars

Some eye me down

and to show them who’s boss

I lick my lips

and then theirs

and then my own once again

swallow your advice

and slide me something

I can sink my teeth into

-Saschia Johnson

New England Cafes