I used to drive to D.A.D.’S Bagels
and eat Indian food at 4 a.m.
O.K., that’s not true.
That would have been insane.
But it was essential
that I could.
They sold Jewish bagels
and freezer-burned Indian food
so spicy, I always
regretted eating it.
Open twenty-hour hours a day:
5732 Sherbrooke Street West.
The cashier often threw in
free onion bhaji so hot
they’d keep my hands warm
on the walk back to the car.
D.A.D.’S Bagels is a now a Dollarama
with birthday decorations near the cash
and a hamburger joint
that’s becoming beloved.
I never went to D.A.D.’S Bagels
to eat Indian food at 4 a.m.
but it was essential
that I could.