At the Greek Restaurant

We spoke spanakopita, each of us acting a slice. Our skin the filo pastry, delicate to the touch. Though his was baked longer – seemed tougher. We reached out to touch, our love so true the spinach flowed together. But. His spinach deep inside was hotter than mine. I was worried – am I in this for just a fling, an infatuation? My heart only luke-warm? How would I know? I tasted one of his feta crumbs – loved its salt. Its melt in my mouth a deep kiss. I worried that my feta would not taste and feel good to him. Would he reach out to Baklava instead? I could see her signalling on the side. Does he prefer honey – prefer that sweet sting in his mouth to unsure love? What if it’s saccharin?

Lavinia Kumar has authored short prose and poetry. She often focuses on women, from scientists, to artists, and spies – across centuries and countries. She has authored 3 poetry books and 4 chapbooks. Her work appears in a wide variety of journals and 3 anthologies. She has received four Pushcart nominations.