Dinner Bell

It’s not the first time that I’ve ruined dinner
Trying to write a poem.

Tonight
I overcooked the burgers.

Not just a little.

And the dogs
Ate the buns
That I so carefully cut
And placed on the counter.

I was so looking forward
To those sesame seeds
Toasted on the grill.

I’m left with lukewarm beans
Because I shut them off
An hour ago
For fear of burning them

And mediocre potato salad
That I purchased
From the supermarket.

Things don’t change.
They don’t get any different.

I keep writing poems.