So I'm eating at a diner and just want to eat and leave. But the poor lady that waits on me wants to chat.

She keeps asking me questions like, "So where are you going? You look like you're in a rush." And the way she says it... she's so laid back and so NOT in a rush.

I try to smile and say, "I'll just take the check." But she interrupts and says, "What do you do for work?"

I don't want to get into any of the four jobs I have, so I just say, "I'm a writer."

(Wrong answer)

"Wow that's so interesting," she says, "I'm a poet."

(have I told you this lady is in his fifties?)

So I just hope she gives me the check ASAP, BUT she... she... starts up with a poem she wrote,

"Birds

Birds are nice

Birds are sweet

Twinkle Twinkle

Birdie feet."

I smile, then move my head up and down, back and forth, I put all the dirty napkins and empty maple syrup packets onto my plate.

"That's the poem I wrote this morning. You like it, Mr. Writer?"

"I love it dear." I say. "Please, maam I need the check."

She smiles and I realize she has no intention of giving me the check.

"Twinkle, Twinkle Birdie Feet!" She says again.

Now, I smile and try to get up. I would LOVE TO SAY, "HEY EMILY DICKENSON, GIVE ME THE CHECK!"

But I don't. I just sit there and she recites a few more poems and the Greek guy that owns the diner comes over and says, "Adamos, $2.50 for the corn muffin and coffee."

I pull out a $5 bill and leave it on the counter and wave at the waitress as she just keeps on reciting poems.

"Bye, bye, come again." She says as I get to the door and for a split second I wonder if she's talking to me or reciting another poem.