They hired me with a busted lip,
Summer I was fifteen.
Ernie liked me, he liked all the girls.
I waited on customers;
A chocolate Tastee Freez, please.
We don't sell the store in flavors.
Take money, give change, smile.

First real job besides baby sitting
Ice-cream and food;
A milkshake to go, please
Don't want it poured in your hand?
With a perverted chuckle
Boss said, Don't wear those short shorts!
Always in a stained yellow t-shirt.

He managed the store,
But not perspiration; drippy sweat
Gave Charlotte morning shifts
She didn't like me, didn't like anyone,
Sometimes her head shook "no," but her mouth said yes.
I receive a tip, number, used toothpick,
And sometimes a strawberry sundae in my face.

-- Jessica Cuniff