Behind the counter 

Even though I rail against

this job at times,

I do the tasks well,

serving this one and that,

answering their requests

for meat, cheese, directions.

 

There is a nobility in service,

the masters say:

“Feed people. Serve people.

Love everyone. Tell the truth.”

Do my colleagues do that?

I think they do, mindfully.

 

Not like me, with too much thought.

I know I am here to be taught.

 

Just yesterday, a customer

I call “the hello lady”

got angry, again,

called me ‘the slowest woman in town.’

Maybe she was referring to someone else

in the line that she overstepped.

I took offense, yet, returned with

all she needed - kindness.

 

The cross-dressers are the best.

Today, a man in a purple scarf waited for me

as I served him.

It felt as if I were the one honored, instead.

We shared a smile and a conversation,

and I don’t even remember

what he bought.

 

At times I fill up with memories

of arrogance when I rushed through my own life,

overstepping boundaries,

ignoring a kindness, or a query.

My own needs were oh, so urgent,

When time, I thought, was in my control.

 

The cell phone folks are the worst.

I vow to drown mine!

 

Like pets in the kennel, 

the customers are all different.

Some are polite, or curious,

While others just snarl and bite.

It’s not their fault, it’s the nature

of the lives we lead.

Yet everyone, even you, eats.                        

 

by Pat Magee 12/04