Hey Rachel
if that’s your name
how come the daily special
is always the same?
Even a lousy anchovy
can vary its game
an egg over easy
has something it overcame
Hey Rachel
if that’s your name
Hey Rachel
if that’s your name
the light under your bushel
is dying of shame
even a soda fountain
can express an aim
an awful pie counter
can make a counterclaim
against my plaintive songs of love
through the diner where you cook
can’t you take off your food handler’s glove
at least while you cock a snook
at my calling out from beyond the soda fountain
at my calling out from behind the mountain?
Hey Rachel
if that’s your name
must you always stand vigil
in the kitchen doorframe?
even this infernal
fan can take some blame
a stinking back burner
can cherish a flame
Hey Rachel
if that’s your name
— Paul Muldoon