I Saw the Queen at Taco Bell

I saw the Queen at Taco Bell on a Sunday afternoon.

Being served a Coke and a Burrito Supreme

by a man in a tall, furry hat,

 a rifle polished on shoulder slung.

Why here?

She saw the question through my

upraised eyebrows.

“Love was killed in a palace

built of stone and wood.

Appearance, that finely-dressed fascist,

stifled freedom with a boot to the neck.

I am finding freedom in a burrito.

So here I am, but I brought protection with me.

Thank you, Reginald.  Could you bring me

some taco sauce please?  Hot.”

And so went the furry hat and rifle - 

hunting condiments.

On that Sunday afternoon, I had just attended

a church

built of stone and wood.

So I sat down at my table,

bowed my head,

thanked God,

for a burrito.