You may make the choice from the menu
I said
But someone else decides what’s on it
He said
Then get up and leave the restaurant
And I didn’t argue with it then
Sitting around the tables in a study group
With people who I knew agreed with him
Who have always been the ones to drive to that restaurant
Or another just like it
And who haven’t had to worry that
If they got up to leave
Someone wouldn’t scream
They’re skipping out on the bill
And call for aid
That is aid only for some
And they all know who they are
And they all know who they are not
And who they are not for
And who haven’t had to worry that
If they got up to leave
They would be standing up alone
And what sticks up gets hammered down
And who haven’t had to worry that
If they got up to leave
They wouldn’t have a way to get home
Because the restaurant is not where they would choose to be
Far away from where they rest their hearts
But they had to go where they were brought
Because walking until your feet bleed
Isn’t really an option when
You have to be on your feet all day
Every day
And your shoes are wearing thin
And who haven’t had to worry that
For a long while at least
They can’t afford another restaurant
Or a grocery store
Or a pot to cook in
Because choosing not to eat
Isn’t really an option when
You do still have to work the next day
But I should have argued
Shouted to the winds that blow
Summery breath from many directions
Even if their howling would have drowned out my voice
I should have gotten up and left
Even though it was no restaurant
If I did not like what was being served
But I was not the one who drove
And I could not have taken my party with me

Help chip in for tomorrow’s meal?