Drawing 140

DINER:
Arthur, may I have another moment?

WAITER:
Certainly, sir.

DINER:
Arthur, you were once a boxer?

WAITER:
Correct.

DINER:
I thought so. Maybe you can help me then—I'm looking for a menu item most like a top-level heavyweight. Something that, the eating thereof is just like going a couple of rounds against Joe Louis.

WAITER:
Sir, I regret to inform you that there is nothing on the menu resembling a top-level heavyweight to any meaningful degree.

DINER:
(Pause) Pity. (Pause) So then, Arthur, in your first-hand pugilistic experience, which menu item would be a more formidable opponent than any other?

WAITER:
The Persimmon & Leek Soup, without a doubt. I could take it, I think, but only after suffering substantial scalding to my knuckles, hands, and wrists.