Canasta at the cafe

Canasta for twelve

and Mahjong for two.

the society matrons

have taken tables

as they often must do.

lunch

then cards

and tea.

but no idle words distract.

hair carefully coiffed and colored.

dresses or slacks just so.

jewelry: understated.

make up tries to disguise

the faces that have fallen.

one glances at another

waiting a turn

fidgets with an earring,

restless to play.

cards shuffle, faint clattering

another sips at tea

and grimaces

perhaps its grown cold.

so passes the afternoon

in the Greek cafe

and later

they’ll pick up grandchildren

or steaks for dinner

or meet the mister for cocktails.