There are actions
which you don’t want to take too soon
for if you are unprepared,
you risk ruining your future
with prematurity
but if you want too long
your opportunity might die
withered at your door
while your headphones
kept you unaware of the of your own doorbell.
Some things must be done
at their own schedule
in Cinderella fashion:
"Just right."

Some people understand this.
Some folks
live with that perfect timing
knowing when to speak
and act
and when to bring more water.
This is dedicated to my waitress.
This is an ode to Babs.

She is kind
and generous
an angel of mercy
in feeding me fries.
She provides
as only a goddess can
giving me what I need
offering provisions
before I disappear
into eternal skinniness.

I was taught
at an early age
not to shit where I eat
for diseases can be caught
and a variety of intestinal issues could result
but I’m sick of being passively voiced.
I want to shout out my feelings
to the highest busboy
and the lowest bartender.

I love her dedication
and her caring
and her knotted beauty.
I would offer her so much more than a dollar
for services rendered.
I would give her two dollars
– or even three.

But I know better
than to shit where I eat
and too many meals
have been served too often
by this blessed babe
this breathtakingly bounteous Babs.
I can only quietly accept
what she has to offer
which she does
so frequently
and so well.

I just hope
this can make up
for last night’s dine and dash.