The Waitress - a poem by Audrey Austin

THE WAITRESS 

Wet rag wipes the table

Serviettes  wrap the stainless

Smile glued at the corners

She pretends it is painless. 

It’s too hot; it’s too cold

It’s still raw; it is burned

The cook pays no mind

While the server is spurned. 

Shifts short; she is part-time

Reliant on tips

She swallows her tears

With a smile on the lips.

 

(This poem has been selected for publication as a runner-up in the Ontario Poetry Society's  Arborealis Competition).