Andrew Riutta
Planning My Future Right on the Spot
There were broken-plate slivers deep in my cut, not to mention it was
still bleeding a bunch. And so, the situation wasn’t just a simple matter
of bandaging the wound and then getting back on course with my day
and back to work in the kitchen again with my shift crew. Hell, I
couldn’t even manage to roll a cigarette for myself … not even after
hunkering down with a handful of bar towels in the “employee” booth,
#14, which smelled of old sticky beer and nacho cheese. But I was
successful in soliciting help from one of our younger waitresses, who
I knew smoked weed and would possess the necessary skill. By this time,
I realized I could perhaps really up the ante in my life … by turning all
of the blood into war paint covering my entire face and then making off
out the back door with both the cash register and overflowing tip jar.
At least this was an option.
Thursday afternoon
my vodka water
pure as a monk
About the Author
Andrew Riutta was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. His latest book, Blessed: Modern Haibun on Almost Every Despair (Red Moon Press, 2022) was shortlisted for the Touchstone Distinguished Book Award and won the HSA Merit Book Award for best haibun collection. Currently, he lives in Gaylord and is a Catholic school custodian.