The Neighborhood Diner

Naugahyde-covered booths
and chairs in deep red color
adorned the diner interior.
Murals on the wall painted

by local artists depicted
the home town high school
team, the Bees. Baldwinsville’s
finest fare offered 24/7.

Steeped in the 50s and complete
with juke boxes at each booth
play the hits of yesteryear.
Formica table tops with baskets

filled with condiments; napkins.
Young and old and in between congregate
at this diner for food and conversation.
I spread orange marmalade on toast.

When it is crowded, we sit at the
counter just like the old
five and dime store ones.
Our attentive waitress

pours frequent refills of
delicious Paul de Lima
coffee which began making
the brew more than 100 years

ago. Today, a neighbor and
I went to the B’ville Diner
for breakfast and good company.
Prices are right; food is good.

For a brief time, we are treated
as family. We smile at the children
and share a few laughs.
Small town America at its best.