Syrup Stains

Remember our Waffle House

Where we felt like YA heroines?

The employees hated that we Showed up at 3 am, Ordered way too much, Never left early enough. But that one waitress, Clarissa

With the bright blue lipstick

That always smeared on her front tooth, Used to sit down and talk

While the rest of them rolled their eyes. She liked us.

I think about how We promised we’d visit As I’m walking through the doors Of a Denny’s or an IHOP

Because your lime green shoes aren’t there to clash Against the restaurant’s sickly yellow And my stomach can’t handle the grease

Jordan Fong Class of 2024