I saw him lying cold and dead <br />Who yesterday was whole. <br />"Why," I inquired, "hath he expired? <br />And why hath fled his soul? <br /> <br />"but yesterday," his comrade said, <br />"All health was his, and strength; <br />And this is why he came to die-- <br />If I may speak at length. <br /> <br />"But yesternight at dinnertime <br />At a not unknown café, <br />He had a frugal meal as you <br />Might purchase any day. <br /> <br />"The check for his so simple fare <br />Was only eighty cents, <br />And a dollar bill with a right good will <br />Came from his opulence. <br /> <br />"The waiter brought him twenty cents. <br />'Twas only yesternight <br />That he softly said who now is dead <br />'Oh, keep it. 'Ats a' right.' <br /> <br />"And the waiter plainly uttered 'Thanks,' <br />With no hint of scorn or pride; <br />And my comrade's heart gave a sudden start <br />And my comrade up and died." <br /> <br />Now waiters overthwart this land, <br />In tearooms and in dives, <br />Mute be your lips whatever the tips, <br />And save your customers' lives.<br /><br />Franklin P. Adams<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-ballad-of-the-thoughtless-waiter/
