I never knew words
so weaponized in form
could cut so deep
as do "Hands, Please!"

The kitchen
is a loud, unforgiving
often hectic place
where the magic is born.

Frequently these two words
so peaceful seeming
become aerial assaults
on all tasks at hand.

While making salads
ringing in orders
making coffee beverages
the words are flung

by cooks primarily
which one can ignore
since the repetition
allows selective hearing

until the men in white coats
or the suits and ties
remove chosen earplugs
and force their will

maybe more importantly
to shut up the cooks
than actually see the food
reach its destination.

Some have calls
that are piercing
others demanding
also ones barely heard

(they are new of course)
until eventually the kitchen
becomes a ragged symphony
of countless needs unmet

of voices ignored
finding the greater demand
until one wins over another,
a catchy jingle depicting life.

11/07/2008

Posted on 11/07/2008
Copyright © 2025 Jeffrey Parren