restaurateur

the silver polished until it shone
like moons reflecting tiny suns
of glowing candlelight
each plate and dish
each fork and spoon
laid out as with a t-square
crystal glasses clear
unlike the atmosphere
hazy with anticipation
no restaurateur could
take more care
but what does it matter
if in the kitchen
the food cools
and congeals
with waiting
on a dinner guest
who never comes