double shifts

my feet ache,

my back aches,

I feel on the verge on tears,

what a night of taking orders,

and bringing iced teas with lemon,

waters no ice,

pepsi and brazilian lemonaides.

my manager called me a bad server tonight,

after I cleaned all my tables, and broke down the salad bar,

she said I was too slow at greeting one of my tables, that it's always something with me,

that this is why she gets frustrated, and she doesn't know what to do about me,

my feet are sore.

my tip average was 17% on gross receipts,

I hot-wiped the tables with hot water and vinegar to get the grease off.

maybe I am not a great server, but I am not a bad one, and true I got behind

when all my tables wanted to leave at the same time,

didn't we all have a crazy night?

Is this job worth the thankless nights?

the yelling 300 lb manager with rage

made me feel so small.

no, this job is not worth it.

but I will grit my teeth and smile,

until I find out what lies ahead for me

because I need the money.

oh spirit, don't be so low, this job is just for now.