Stakes

Vivacious,
he was
but couldn’t be
only women – men can’t.
Gay
he was
and definitely was not.

The only man in a kitchen sorority
on the first day – right after introduction
he asked
“ who’s available ”
a joke,
that wasn’t.

Talented
creative
chaotic
charming
late: always
over budget: nearly always

Food service is stood on its head
the patients applauded
letters arrived
 ‘like a restaurant ’
‘ so much better than last time ’
‘ arrived expecting ….. so pleasantly surprised.’
A star.

He showed the boss the letter
the salary + $7,000.
She thought it interesting
so did he – and waited
two weeks
nothing.
He asks – she can’t match it
a resignation is offered
a bluff, she calls it.

He left
didn’t want to,
face-saving insisted.