2: It's just like...

He concentrates on using a wide, black spatula to 

press down the hash browns 

sizzling inside the electric skillet

while I whisk the eggs 

dancing around inside the large measuring cup

I add the shredded cheddar, 

salt and pepper

while he flips, presses again, and 

remembers

You know why I like to eat at Steak & Shake so much?

I look up, wondering*

*We do all love a crispy-edged cheeseburger...

I can go there anytime

and it is just like

1980

and I’m walking in

with Joe

my grandpa

for a date

He used to take me 

on dates

Just us 

I loved that

before his heart gave out

and mine broke

I like 

my burgers

liberally salted and 

tossed into a screaming

hot electric skillet

to brown on one side

and then the other

before the snug blanket of

Velveeta melts atop

I can make them anytime

and it is just like

1986

and I see Lorraine

my grandma

wearing her apron

in the avocado kitchen

on West Dearborn Street

frying cheeseburgers

for us

I loved that

before she became widowed and moved

into an apartment

and I moved away from home

into an apartment

in the city

She would've loved the

last burgers we made...

We should go 
to Steak & Shake
soon...

Write on,
b