My training has learned me
to bring sugar and cream out
to people who order
coffee or tea beverages.

I will automatically do so
99 out of 100 times.
The 1 time I will not is
the guest who orders "black coffee."

So when I get to the table
carrying just the coffee
what does that 1 in 100 person
question me about?

"Where's the sugar?"
"Can I have some cream?"
Externally I smile and say,
"I'll be right back with that."

Internally an explosion sets off.
First I question how black
a coffee can truly be
with cream or sugar in it?!

Second I try to reason
through logic and simplicity
why one would say "black coffee"
instead of just "coffee."

None of the answers ever satisfy:
"Because some other establishments
just randomly add
sugar and cream to coffee?"

"Because they want to make
my work more difficult?"
"Because they don't even realize
what they are asking for?"

Either way I just chalk it up
to one of those enigmas of work
busily running around
mumbling to myself along the way.

10/29/2008

Posted on 10/29/2008
Copyright © 2025 Jeffrey Parren