When the earth
stands still
it is not for you or
me, but for
gravity, so don’t get
any big ideas,
he said. I didn’t
want big ideas.
I ordered
pizza with
extra cheese and
artichoke hearts.
The waiter arrives
with a plate that
shakes seismically
What is the matter
I ask.
He shuffles his
feet and from
under
the table
a little bald man appears as
inexplicably as ether.
They only have spaghetti,
he says.
besides
the earth never
stands still except
in the movies.
(c) Jayne Lyn Stahl
