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Steaks and Pains
by Jeffrey ParrenThe shift is finally over
I have walked a few streets
a couple avenues too
on the bus I am
and so begin the aches
the pains incurred
while
hunching, bending
reaching, pouring
smiling, stacking
serving, speaking
running up stairs
running down stairs
opening water bottles
opening wine bottles
doing all those things
doing them well
so that I can pay
for the bills
the car
the heat
the roof
those things to survive
that many can't pay for now
so I appreciate them
because restaurants
are closing all around us
still this steakhouse
chugs along
try and name
another restaurant
that you can make
over $400
working just over 6 hours
taking care of 3 tables
in the beginning of February
during the worst recession
this generation has known
try as you might
I realize
this is not for me
not my career
but I appreciate
the aches
the steaks and pains
I am sure they could be
far worse
for far less money
now that would be stress
I couldn't bear. 02/12/2009 Posted on 02/16/2009
Copyright © 2026 Jeffrey Parren
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Joan Serratelli on 02/16/09 at 07:09 PM i've alays enjoyed reading your pieces. I liked the imagry. I could see it all unfold. You ARE lucky that you have a job. The economy stinks and be glad your resterant has weathered the storm. |
| Posted by Mary Frances Spencer on 02/16/09 at 07:35 PM Yes...it's good to be grateful for our blessings. I enjoyed this read very much! PEACE MFS |
| Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 02/16/09 at 08:47 PM An amazing, timely piece. This touches not only what you actually do in your work, but its impact and its present importance. My fav of yours in this series (well, so far). |
| Posted by Genevieve Sturrock on 02/18/09 at 03:09 AM well said, well written. i am grateful every single day for my sore feet and aching back because i have a job that makes them so...and can afford to go home and have a glass of wine and a heating pad to soothe it all away. |
| Posted by Alison McKenzie on 02/18/09 at 03:59 AM I love the play on words, the lists in this poem that are so familiar to everyone. I like the appreciation you show for your dollars, the dollars that are so difficult to come by these days. This is a keeper, Jeffrey, for sure! |
| Posted by Sandy M. Humphrey on 02/18/09 at 04:48 PM Well I appreciate a good steak and service so I can relate to what you do for the money to pay the bills, had three jobs last year...so hope your tips are what you deserve and keep the poetry flowing. smh |
| Posted by Charlie Morgan on 02/18/09 at 04:49 PM ...jeff, and i remember when you were just a new poet...now, you are striking some beatimous chords...love your new-found[newly expressed] style...you are chugging now, m'friend. |
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