Before
iii.
To The Grumpy Man In The Underground Parking Lot:
Don’t worry. We will squeeze the
bitter out of you and use it
to make Grandma’s German chocolate cake.
Your not-to-be-bothered glare will taste
simply delicious
with milk.
Your humpf to our greeting is
dark chocolate chips–the extra twice
chocolate-in-chocolate.
Your frown will be frosting, grown firm
at the edges.
Waiting to be bitten.
In the days before we learn
what you have learned,
you will be our favorite after-school treat.
Even the dog will beg
to lick the plate.