STATE OF THE UNION

STATE OF THE UNION

 

Best Western Bridgeport Inn, Bridgeport, WV

 

We receive 500 Reward points with their flexible rate - $82.79,

which does not include breakfast - so in the morning,

we slouch into the adjoining restaurant, empty save for us.

 

‘My name’s Stella,’ she offers, handing us menus.

‘I’ll be your server.’ I like her name immediately.

My aunt Stella treated me well.

 

Each table in the large room festooned with red

plastic hearts and flowers. ‘It’s off season now, 

but didn’t they do a good job for Valentine’s?’

 

She reports at five a.m. daily with the cook

and when lonely, ‘I walk over to the front desk,

talk with the young girl there.’

 

Well past retirement age, she could be playing

with grandchildren, but I keep that thought at bay,

and lumber through my cheese and bacon omelette.

 

That evening, the president recites a long speech,

listing momentous accomplishments while the throng

arise, applauding like a circus ride run amok.

 

Stella is not mentioned, exhausted and asleep

after her long day at the Best Western Bridgeport Inn

in West Virginia.