265

Sushi Bar

Ginza, Tokyo

Sitting next to me

The Japanese Gastroenterologist said

 “I could make much more money working in America, but cannot take the food.”

Thinking for a moment

Taking another sip of my sake

I said

“I fully understand

Japan’s outstanding cuisine

Has also ruined me”

The Gastro then said

“I’m doctor

Eat

Drink

I pay”

259

Lazy Saturday afternoon

Opening a bottle of pinot noir

Listening to opera

Chopping garlic

Fresh garden basil, oregano, and rosemary

Mushrooms, onions, and peppers

Vine ripe home-grown tomatoes

Ground sirloin

Sausage

Simmering

Hour after hour

Occasionally

I stir the pot

Contentment

Making homemade spaghetti sauce

229

Craps was the game he played

Once a month

Took a round trip flight

Lauderdale to Nassau

Carried his cash in an old bag

Stood most of the night

At the table

Sometimes won

Sometimes lost

His demeanor

Always stable

Just a way to unwind

The game

Cleared his mind