Cardboard Buffet

when someone tells me what
they are eating tastes like cardboard,
i nod and wonder.

i imagine them sitting
down to some elaborate
dinner table with
every assorted type of
cardboard awaiting their
hungry chops.

mashed cardboard,
grilled cardboard,
steamed cardboard,
roasted cardboard,
cold cardboard,
soupy cardboard.

and watch them tuck
that cloud white napkin
into the top ring of their
shirts,
then start shoving cardboard down their mouths.

as their eyes water,
they comment to their guests,
'MAN, THIS REALLY TASTES LIKE
CARDBOARD, EH?'

at this,
i can accept someone telling
me that their food tastes
like something they
have never eaten,
except in my day dreams.

night .. night.