Before the Cooks Arrive (Revision 1)

[danny_]

Revision 1 (Thank you Knot)

Before the Cooks Arrive

Glistening, black algae
thrives on the floor drain,
a barred window into the dark
gut below.
A slice of potato rests
at the edge.

Red tile stretches
under silver appliances,
sucked into dented reflections.
Stove backs are hugged with grease,
a charred black skin on yellow cream,
through which a rubber hose slides.
The nozzle leaks
and burns her wrist.

Her hair stays loosely in a bun,
drops of sweat on her neck,
as she clenches the trigger
releasing a jet of steaming water
melting every surface clean,
engulfed in humidity,
watched by heavy snowfall
in the only window - white
against the pre-dawn.

Before the Cooks


Glistening, black algae
thrives on the floor drain
above a cavernous echo -
a barred window into the dark
gut below.
A soggy french-fry hangs
limply over the edge.

Steaming red tile stretches
under silver stoves,
sucked into dented reflections.
Their bottoms are hugged with grease:
a charred black skin on yellow cream
through which a fat hose slides.
The nozzle drips
and burns her wrist.

Her hair stays loosely in a bun,
drops of sweat on her neck,
as she blasts it off every surface,
engulfed in humidity,
watched by heavy snowfall
in the only window - white
against the predawn.