WAITRESS

She approaches his table,
wearing an immaculate white apron over
polished shoes and a taught black dress

Bends over,
sets the plate down,
her lips within reach of his ear,

Whispers softly, “Enjoy!”

Turns back, apron tied
smartly in a virtuous bow
against proud hips

He bites into the buttered toast,
savoring the multi-grain gift
she left behind.

“Enjoy!” still hangs in the air

Her breath hovers over the table,
he lifts the glass of shilled water,
takes a sip, and is done.

She returns with a pen protruding from
the hollow of her back pocket, removes
the plate, and leaves the table bare.

“Will there be anything else?”

Looking deep into
her subservient eyes,
now it is his turn to whisper,

“Just the check, please.”

— © Abraham Menashe