three dollars worth

Poem about the service industry and how to be compensated by people who tip poorly

 
a $3.00 Tip
signed onto
a Visa check card

By an Asian boy
posing as a WASP

cool though

laid back
no worries:

if you don't have those jalapenos
no problem
just give me extra onions instead

across from him
the demure prom queen
manufactured
at the local high school:
Sandy brown hair
eager desperation
Glossy French-manicured nails
and toes too

she gives me
the toothless smile
eyes scowling
squinted
and straining in the corners

I tell myself that
      she is not that pretty
not really

When they are finished
I clear the table
she has barely touched her
popcorn shrimp
and fifth Diet Coke

waiting in the lobby he looks
Out at the passing traffic
the bathroom doors open
and she glides
out to him

her delicate hand
presses his
stomach
they turn to leave
and I
inspecting
her swaying
bottom

get my three dollars worth