It's 12:47 a.m. and the city hums like a tired jazz tune

Neon signs flicker like they're winking at my hunger

And my stomach growls louder than the street preacher on 3rd and Main

I'm walking with purpose

Like a man on a mission from god

A mission of grease and glory

My feet know the way past the shuttered storefronts

Past the couple arguing in whispers

Past the alley cat named Tommy who's seen too much

Well I'm breathing in and I'm breathing out

But the food I ate is flowing out

And I question why I got chili fries

And there it is. The diner. That holy temple of late-night salvation

Open twenty four seven

Like it knows the world doesn't sleep when cravings come calling

I slide into the booth like I belong there

Because I do

Because this is ritual

Because this is sacred

The waitress doesn't ask

She knows

She nods like a prophet

And disappears behind the swinging doors

And then, they arrive

Well I'm breathing in and I'm breathing out

But the food I ate is flowing out

And I question why I got chili fries

A mountain of golden fries

Smothered in chili thick as memory

Cheese melting like it's falling in love

Onions scattered like confetti at a block party

I pick up the fork like a sword

This is not just food

This is redemption

Well I'm breathing in and I'm breathing out

But the food I ate is flowing out

And I question why I got chili fries

Well I'm breathing in and I'm breathing out

But the food I ate is flowing out

And I question why I got chili fries