Diana Darby ** "I V" ** Intravenous

Sole Mio

I am full of pasta
and pizza and bread.
I am sluggish
as a sleeping pup.
The words are coming out of my brain
sideways
like blowing snow.
Drifting in and out,
the last sip of red wine
still on my lips,
my fingers red with sauce.
I forgot the day,
and my work,
and the after
of so many bites.
There was only the cold
and the linen tablecloths
calling me to lunch.
There was only the smell of garlic
and mozzarella.
There was no one warning me
like they do on a pack of cigarettes,
“Eat at your own risk.”
Now
I am still and silent as a fruit bowl,
round and full
and ready to explode.