Nathanael O'Reilly #4 BBQ

BBQ

Standing in a dirt lot
on Cesar Chavez
waiting to order brisket
at La Barbecue
we sip on local brews
purchased at the convenience
store on the corner
and make friends
with our neighbors
in the queue
from Perth, London
and New Jersey

sweat drips inside
our t-shirts slides 

down our arms
saturates socks and undies
as we crack
open our third beer
after an hour in line

finally, we receive
our pound of brisket,
potato salad and pickles
take our place
at the picnic table
with our newfound
community and savor
meat slow-cooked
for sixteen hours

trading travel tales
we commune and imbibe
share recommendations
and discover connections
remember that food
always opens the door