CHAOS IN THE HOUSE

CHAOS IN THE HOUSE

Waitress flicking water;

wets his face.

A tease? A  test?

A glare.

Mouthed threat.

They don’t stress the service here.

Regulars coffee-tarry

in a harried atmosphere.

Smothered and covered by

dawdling waitresses

ignoring those at the door

eyeing space progress – slowed  –

no Houston in control.

Cook’s excitement at the grill

a lightning spin, cop a feel     

tickle a waitress

behind.

At the counter,

order-bacon in the air:

customer’s loss, floor’s gain.

didn’t see a thing.

Dirty dishes piling

under the collective nose

waiting for to go.

Empty washer closed.

Blame’s the game;

So are argue and ignore

Piece-meal:

“Your bacon’s on the grill.”

Meanwhile,

grits and waffle chill

Dare try

Look ‘em in the eye?

You order straight ahead;

they hear side to side –

Behind-the-counter politics;

Leave YOUR stories at the door. 

Tink, tink.

Thought I ordered water.

–  in a glass –

Thanks, I think.

Dennis R. Keefe

May 21, 2006