DINING WITH A GECKO

About to savour succulent mahi mahi from my fork

I pause with morsel at mouth in the Polynesian dining pavilion

When above my head a soft, moist diamond slowly extends its’ toes

A sparkling green, gray gecko in lantern light

At first one, then two and finally three

And splays them out on one foot

Holding them silently, shiny and wet

As it stares with hard reptilian eyes

At an unsuspecting ‘nono’ fly

On the reddish brown basketwork ceiling

Above my meal.

It strikes with a telescoping tongue and eats.

I close my lips and

Consume Tahitian cuisine.