My Cart 
Login 

Previous

Leon's Oyster Shop
by
Ronald Lauderbach


Next
 

The Uber driver tells me to take care because
I'm in a bad part of town but I'm more scared
of this freak snowstorm and slipping on icy
sidewalks than muggers. Leon's feels friendly
as I pass through its glowing entry into a mellow
din. Tables are full but I find a pants-polished
stool at the bar. A server greets me as if I'm
the mayor and the fresh fish fry-up tastes
even better than it looks on the menu. The
barkeep serves pie that could only happen
in South Carolina and asks what brings me
to Leon's on a Sunday night. I tell her I'm
flying home in the morning and never miss
a restaurant named for my father.


© by Ronald Lauderbach.
Used with the author's permission.

 



Ronald Lauderbach says he writes poetry to celebrate life and because he likes to play with language. A retired high school English and journalism teacher (he also coached Pony League, for 12- and 13-year-olds), he tries to follow the advice he gave his students: “If you write poetry that moves you, it will move others.” Ron lives in San Diego, California.

 

 


Post New Comment:
Jancan:
Descriptive, appealing piece
Posted 11/23/2020 11:00 AM
michael escoubas:
A moment of intimacy painted with an educated brush, Ron. Thank you.
Posted 11/22/2020 10:50 PM
Lori Levy:
Love the contrast between the icy sidewalks and the warmth in Leon's.
Posted 11/22/2020 07:57 PM
Anastasia:
A wonderful encapsulation of a wonderful experience!
Posted 11/22/2020 04:44 PM
KevinArnold:
A poem packed with fun surprises.
Posted 11/22/2020 02:16 PM
juneinca@aol.com:
Enjoyed the poem, thank you.
Posted 11/22/2020 01:35 PM
Glen Sorestad:
A very enjoyable read, Ron, and yes, it will move others. It moved me.
Posted 11/22/2020 12:14 PM
Janet Leahy:
This poem is happening as we read it, the Uber driver warning, the mellow din of a friendly place, the server's greeting and of course the food. Line after line we feel we are there.
Posted 11/22/2020 11:46 AM
Mama Goose:
A beautiful way to celebrate his father with love that is sentiment without being maudlin.
Posted 11/22/2020 10:01 AM
cork:
"Pants-polished stool" is a jewel!
Posted 11/22/2020 09:48 AM
Jean Colonomos-1:
Ah nostalgia. Beautiful.
Posted 11/22/2020 09:09 AM
Sharon Waller Knutson:
I loved this conversation style narrative poem that pulled me in from the first line and held me to the last. I can see "the freak storm" and "the pants polished stool at the bar" and taste the fish and pie. My favorite lines are: "A server greets me as if I am the mayor" and "I never miss a restaurant named for my father."
Posted 11/22/2020 09:05 AM
gailcomorat:
Oh, my heart. Everything about this is just lovely.
Posted 11/22/2020 09:04 AM
Gilbert Allen:
I like the authentic and engaging voice in this poem.
Posted 11/22/2020 08:44 AM
Larry Schug:
This poem moves me, Ron. The last line says everything.
Posted 11/22/2020 07:37 AM


Contents of this web site and all original text and images therein are copyright © by Your Daily Poem. All rights reserved.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Purchasing books through any poet's Amazon links helps to support Your Daily Poem.
The material on this site may not be copied, reproduced, downloaded, distributed, transmitted, stored, altered, adapted,
or otherwise used in any way without the express written permission of the owner.