$3.75

$3.75

I hate being the one serving you coffee
the pepper, bacon and American omelet
with white toast and a large orange juice.
The ketchup stain on my apron
and the sweat on my forehead
make me seem too pathetic to be
considered worthy of eye contact.


You sit there in your suit and tie
talking business, politics and gossip
from the last town council meeting,
and that woman refilling your cup
pocketing your $3.75 tip
will one day be the woman
who ruins your marriage
your mayoral legacy
and your political reputation.


I smile at this thought
refill your cup of coffee
and you think I’m smiling
at you.