Sun Dance at Mario's Cafe

Mario's Cafe is a landmark in Melbourne's alternative, coffee-drenched Brunswick Street strip. It's been there an eternity, a warm and stable presence amid the busy street life. This poem, Sundance at Mario's, is a contrast to its generally amiable and nonchalant air.

Some dance at Mario’s

Some squat in a corner

Some poke at their linguini

or stab at their scotch fillet

Some pray at Mario’s

Some drink from its bowl of evanescence

Some mutter through clenched pink fingers

while others wait for a better god

Some laugh at Mario’s

Some bellies jiggle

Some lipstick moves

as a prelude to lesser things

Some hold court at Mario’s

Some boast or bluster

Some sink in their seat

with vague and watery eyes

while outside the earth flies

                                the earth flies