Alphabet soup is served.
A long line files past the stainless steel pot with ladle.
Mostly misfit military men and women
secret stomach twisting ghosts in their guts.
Fatigues in various shades of faded
sit at tables butted end to end.
During the blessing
each soup bowl spells out a prayer.
Vegetable broth vapors rise
to cloud faces and steam glasses.
Some attendants
eat with a fork one letter at a time.
copyright © 2021 Kenneth P. Gurney
Umflop 