99poems/busboy

The bus boy
bumps the booth
with the tray,
spilling water
and soup.
He speaks
out loud
but there is
no one in ear
shot, at least
they do not
respond.
So he moves down
the aisle
until he encounters
someone who will.
It’s a good save
and a determined
one.
From where I sit
I hear him
say, “motor
skills…”

7/9/99