Side Work by Rebecca Irene

The cook blasts
rap, minces inferior parts
of suckling pig for staff meal.

Sweet Ali & I sweep
chick peas & cilantro—
some solace in a straw broom.

Hidden cameras—
the owners watch whenever
they need to vent a little anger.

Clean up enough filth
from strangers, the shape
of your mouth will change

& when the lyrics extol
legs up, hands down—
you might nod, sing along.

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Rebecca Irene is a graduate of Swarthmore College, and recently received her MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her work can be found in Sixfold, and elsewhere. She lives in Portland, Maine, where she supports her word-addiction by waitressing.

Photo: LEEROY Agency