Poems by Sara Ries

All Blue

I am jealous:
the sky falls
into the blue-green ocean
all perfectly blended—
they keep sliding into each other
as if they don’t know
they’re different.

I am in the ocean
a blood stain on a blue blouse
Someday, waves, someday
turn me into you.


Flower Shop Bob

business phone by his plate,
pours syrup, answers Mother Nature Florist, says
I’m just next door—be right there.
When he returns, Ana says
We’re gonna start charging you rent;
we’ve got a line out the door.

I ask How’s the food, Bob.
High-maintenance or not,
he leaves two dollars.

He says,
These French toast are freezing cold,
just freezing.

Years of tired legs, an apron full
of soggy straws, smashed jelly packets
to save steps, save time, and still, nothing stops their
Waitress, waitress—I need more of
and there’s something wrong with—

Bob, I say, I will make them square little jackets.


Sara Ries was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, where her parents own a diner. Her poetry is greatly influenced by the diner music and its customers. She received her MFA in poetry from Chatham University and is currently living in Buffalo.