The Waiter by Harry Graham (1925)

Name: The Waiter
Author: Harry Graham

A young man's life is turned upside down when he discovers that his wife has been having an affair with a waiter at the restaurant where they dine regularly. The story explores themes of infidelity, marriage and identity through the protagonist's struggles to come to terms with this revelation.

By Harry Graham · First published 1925 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Social Commentary · 770 words

First lines

"He also serves who only stands and waits! " My hero does all three, and even more. Bearing a dozen food-congested plates, With silent tread (altho' his feet are sore), He swiftly skates across the parquet floor. None can afford completely to ignore him, Because, of course, he "carries all before him!"

Endowed with some of Cinquevalli's charm, He poises plate on plate, and never swerves; Two in each hand, three more up either arm, -- A feat of balancing which tries the nerves Of the least timid customer he serves. So firm his carriage, and his gait so stable, He is the Blondin of the dinner-table.

What this Textopian page supports

The Waiter is listed on Textopian as a short story by Harry Graham, dated 1925 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Harry Graham
Date: 1925 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Satire, Social Commentary, Humor, Character Study
Length: 770 words
Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Waiter by Harry Graham
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Waiter?
How does this short story by Harry Graham fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The text is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
Satire — The work uses humor and irony to critique societal norms and the life of a waiter.
Social Commentary — The poem reflects on social roles and the human condition, particularly focusing on the waiter's life and societal expectations.
Humor — The text employs wit and comedic elements to entertain while discussing the waiter's experiences.