East India Grill Villanelle

By Cecilia Woloch
Published in "Late"

Across the table, Bridget sneaks a smile;
she's caught me staring past her at the man
who brings us curried dishes, hot and mild.

His eyes are blue, intensely blue, hot sky;
his hair, dark gold; his skin like cinnamon.
He speaks in quick-soft accents; Bridget smiles.

We've come here in our summer skirts, heels high,
to feast on fish and spices, garlic naan,
bare-legged in the night air, hot and mild.

And then to linger late by candlelight
in plain view of the waiter where he stands
and watches from the doorway, sneaks a smile.

I'd dress in cool silks if I were his wife.
We try to glimpse his hands-no wedding band?
The weather in his eyes is hot and mild.

He sends a dish of mango-flavored ice
with two spoons, which is sweet; I throw a glance
across the shady patio and smile.

But this can't go on forever, or all night
-or could it? Some eternal restaurant
of longing not quite sated, hot and mild.

And longing is delicious, Bridget sighs;
the waiter bows; I offer him my hand.
His eyes are Hindu blue and when he smiles
I taste the way he'd kiss me, hot and mild.

Copyright 2003 by Cecilia Woloch

About the Author: Cecilia Woloch has published three books of poems, Sacrifice, Tsigan: The Gypsy Poem and her new collection, "Late." A celebrated teacher and a well known poet on the Los Angeles scene, she's the director of Summer Poetry in Idyllwild, a week-long celebration of poets and poetry in the San Jacinto Mountains of southern California each July.  She also spearheads the Paris Poetry Workshop every spring in Paris. Her books can be purchased by visiting our pages of books.