Breakfast at the Courtyard

The timer beeped loudly
as she ran out the serving kitchen
light brown ponytail
the color of the waffles I ordered
as a dishtowel on her arm
moves
swinging and swishing
against her narrow hips
a motion of legs and arms
for a marathon runner
but here at work
only in motion alongside
thick well tread shoes
marking her even path
the wearing down of another morning
for this waitress whose smile
is just part of the task
to ensure a bit of a tip
for the thinly dimed labor
of the Missouri working class.

June 2007 on the way to Austin