I told them when I ordered,
No ice.
I reiterated it to avoid any confusion.
The server smiled, friendly enough,
Like my choice mattered.
Then the glass came back, packed with it.
Cold stung my lips immediately.
My teeth hurt.
My fingers burned holding the cup too long.
I said, “I asked for no ice.”
They shrugged.
“It’s standard now.”
Standard for who?
I’m the one drinking it.
I'm the one dealing with the pain with every sip,
Watching it dilute something that used to feel like mine.
Across the room, people pretend not to notice.
Some say it keeps things orderly.
Some say it's necessary.
Some don’t look up at all.
But I see the way it spreads.
Freezing the drink, numbing the taste,
Hurting people who never ordered it either.
And every time I speak up
The server reminds me
The decision isn't made at my table
They won’t take it out.
They keep refilling the glass
and telling us to adjust.
I don’t hate the restaurant.
I came here because it’s all I know
I hate being told
The only way I’m allowed to sit here
Is to swallow the ice
And act like it doesn’t hurt.
I said no.
I still mean no.
No ice.
I reiterated it to avoid any confusion.
The server smiled, friendly enough,
Like my choice mattered.
Then the glass came back, packed with it.
Cold stung my lips immediately.
My teeth hurt.
My fingers burned holding the cup too long.
I said, “I asked for no ice.”
They shrugged.
“It’s standard now.”
Standard for who?
I’m the one drinking it.
I'm the one dealing with the pain with every sip,
Watching it dilute something that used to feel like mine.
Across the room, people pretend not to notice.
Some say it keeps things orderly.
Some say it's necessary.
Some don’t look up at all.
But I see the way it spreads.
Freezing the drink, numbing the taste,
Hurting people who never ordered it either.
And every time I speak up
The server reminds me
The decision isn't made at my table
They won’t take it out.
They keep refilling the glass
and telling us to adjust.
I don’t hate the restaurant.
I came here because it’s all I know
I hate being told
The only way I’m allowed to sit here
Is to swallow the ice
And act like it doesn’t hurt.
I said no.
I still mean no.
