Once...

Once upon a time,
when we were carefree seventeen
we would gather
at the flourescent-lit mecca
which smelled of coffee
and pancakes.
Next to La Quinta.
Aglow in the darkest hours,
an oasis of
syrup and sundaes.

Once upon a time,
we would gather
and laugh and devour
"One pitcher of Dr. Pepper...two!...three!...
Hit us up with a milkshake now...seven straws!"
Don't need the menu, thanks.
Grand Slams all around
Buttermilk, scrambled, sausage, grits
extra butter for the boys...
(our eyes affectionately roll).

Once upon a time
we cleaned our plates together,
brushed off the crumbs of our weekly hurts and confusions at the same time.
Solace in dessert and friendship - best of both.
Comfort in gatherings, comfort in communal ice cream.
Three-scoop sundae, vanilla for him, strawberry for her, chocolate for me
Cherries (extra, please!) atop fluffy mountainous
whipped cream (we always share).
Swirls of chocolate and caramel dance
to the clatter of mingling spoons

Once upon a time
when we were carefree seventeen.
Over now.
Kids, jobs, moves, jail, death.
The aroma of coffee still lingers
on late nights
when sleep is a teasing bully.
Lights still aglow,
laughs still echo,
even when the sundae has melted.