Golden buffet

Eric Pierzchala  •  Anderson, Indiana

Five minutes before we open, the sound
of the older waitress’ nails scratching at a

patch of plaque psoriasis on her upper left
arm soothes an itch I need to scratch—it

pacifies unquiet within my soul (let’s say,
the one that comes from being paid half-

of-minimum wage). As soon, the church
crowd will be inhaling her dead skin;

having it salt their Sunday brunch.