I cease to be when I walk through the door
in the uniform that proclaimed my turn
as the handmaid of customer’s desires.
My body snaked among the hungry crowd
to bring offerings to my demi gods
lost in their worlds hidden in the sound
of tinkling silver and conversation,
while I hide in the secret spaces of my soul.
Do they see me separate from the role
that blends me with the rhythm of this hall?
The aroma of food rose like incense
appeasing most appetites but the hottest
of passions. While they indulge their senses,
I suppressed my own until the hour
when I can be one with myself again.
~~~~
For MAGPIE TALES.
MY WALL 
Imelda, you are so gifted with perfect word choices for sparkling imagery–great work!
I like this and the way you have not focussed on the couple.
Thanks, Cait. 🙂
I like the perspective Imelda ~ I think of work as serving others and suppressing my own desires until I am alone and can be by myself ~ Happy Sunday ~
What a beautiful blog!!! And I like the perspective of being the service provider here in your piece…a nice juxtaposition against the painting of the dining crowd. In every job we do we are all service providers in some way to our bosses, our clients and our customers. And yes…Ferrero Rocher is my kryptonite too.
I guess most who work do like you say ‘have to be’ who they’re expected to be…. and not until they go home can they be who they really are… Diane
I liked your take on this from the view point of the service provider. Your use of words is so creative and very much appreciated from a reader views point. This was wonderfully written!
Wonderful writing, Imelda. I will think of this poem when I go to restaurants in future. 🙂
As a server and a writer, I appreciate this on so many levels. Elegant, honest, hauntingly beautiful…thank you for capturing something I never knew how to put into words
Thank you for your kind words, Mazal. 🙂
Perfect! I would have imagined just such a scene even in its absence!