PostPoems Be Artistic. Be Creative. Be Inspired!

by Jeph Johnson

Through the atmosphere of Denny's,

nearly ten o'clock at night 

She drifts around the counter,

head held high and smiling bright
Says to me "Can I take your order?"  

"I'll have some coffee and some toast"
"How was your day?" I ask her.  

She says: "Better than most"
So I go about my writing,

singing silently my songs
Looking ‘round this weekend diner

at all that could go wrong
As my bread is being toasted,

(probably burnt to the third degree)
On her badge I notice

her name is Genesee
Through the atmosphere of Denny's,

now almost four AM
She comes back around the counter,

still shining like a gem
Asks if I need more coffee,

"Thank you Genesee," I say
She fills what was half-empty

and takes away my plate
I continue with my writing,

amidst the crowd I see
With ease and poise and gracefulness,

the amazing Genesee
Balancing meals and condiments

with one hand in the air
Orders flying past her,

nothing gets in her hair
I wish I had her youthfulness,  

back for just a little while
Or some of that attention

she gives my coffee cup with her smile
But that's okay, I shrug my shoulders

and cast away the thought
Of drawing her affections,

for if I smile back I'm caught
And my cover's blown.  

I bow my head and say "good morn"
I probably should be going now,

I've finished with this song
I write for every happy girl

smiling at Denny's
But especially for the lovely waitress

known as Genesee