Years of philosophical study
and the
"Which does not belong?" or
"Which one is different?"
questions
on many a youth
standardized test
prepared me well
for waiting tables.

Like when someone
orders anything
and the person next
says
"Oh, I'll have
the exact same thing!"

And without
missing a beat
the differences
come spouting out:

Different dressing
on the salad.

Different temperature
on the steak.

No salt.
No pepper.
No butter.

Even the dessert
is
different.

I have developed
a sense of disbelief
especially
when they celebrate
their similar orders

because their similarities
ceased
the second they walked
through the front door
and sat
at the same table.

11/07/2008

Posted on 11/07/2008
Copyright © 2026 Jeffrey Parren