Gray and Gritty

(May 4, 2002)
Stanley and his wife delivered the Sunday paper. They always came into the Waffle House just before I finished the night shift. He would give me a copy of the paper and always ordered the same thing. To most people he didn't seem very friendly, but he and I got along just fine.


In memory of Stanley Alligood
August 20, 1939-May 2, 2002
“If he liked you, he liked you;
if he didn’t, he didn’t.”

Gray and gritty darkening dawn
brought the Sunday paper loosely covered
with plastic.

Ambled over, shuffled greeting;
over medium, coffee black.

Graveled joking
understood in
gleaming mischievous eyes
(mistaken meanness).

Wink a wink.
Grin a grin.
Heh!

Gray and gritty darkening dawn;
aluminum foil folded tightly over
leftover ham.

Shuffled out, muffled grouch;
hearty heartfelt
“Take it easy, boss.”

Shed a tear.
Wink a wink.
Grin a grin.
Heh heh.