Pepper Shaker

When I was young I loosened the
tops on you and waited,
watching from a nearby booth as
unsuspecting diners
sat down and grabbed you.

A man with his family tempted doom
and lifted you on high
over the breakfast special plate.
The loosened top soon failed
and confetti pepper
dusted eggs, hash browns, daughters, fruit.

I expected sneezing and a
burst of laughter.
I got yelling in my father's voice
at a volume usually left
at home after he came late from the bar.