DINNER AMONGST STRANGERS
AT CASITA DEL CAMPO
by Jessica DePue

There were strong margaritas
The kind that don't disguise the fact
You will be tanked after two and
This tall blonde not beautiful
For being tall or blonde possibly
For having returned from Costa Rica
For donating time to help poor families
An excursion she experienced as humbling
Unclear as to what it humbled,
I engaged her on the pretense of how
I want to rescue baby sea turtles
Many hatch in Costa Rica, set about surviving
An unnatural world which counters all instinct
They propel towards the moon's somber echo
Primitive, innocent, wishing only to swim
I volunteered my approval of her selflessness
In addition to my amusement of her blonde tallness
Her boyfriend basked in yellow light from her hair
Increasing his tan as we consumed blue corn tamales
I entertained company to my right
With conversation of downward dog and a lewd joke
About occupying the position independent of yoga
I feigned opposition to all things tantric
While taking my time on chips and guacamole
I entertained company to my left
With little more than a nod towards the moon
Full of itself and looming overhead our patio terrace
Someone began weeping from the corner palm
Displaced by the hanged man tarot, clutching herself
I wrapped my arm about her shoulder, assuring
The hanged man was my card, it's creepy vibe
Nothing to cry over
Merely the absurd disposition of man suspended
Like a bat in repose
Had bats any sight they may share such enlightenment
(His placid surrender to perception
Askew of rigid ordinance)
Had we sonar senses we may possess the supernatural
Powers of night's generous splendor
The woman continued weeping, disappearing
Into a pool of koi
The smokers vacated their posts
Leaving a chemical trail as proof of existence
I lost interest in the ongoing festivities
Searching for the woman no longer there
An apparition of liquid and bone,
Radiant and haunting as the day is long
As bedtime gave way to our bill's late arrival