Discovering a hidden treasure in an unexpected place is always a special treat. One such treasure is Joyce Bates, a devoted employee of La Provence in Lacombe, who is celebrating 25 years as a waitress for famed northshore chef and restaurateur Chris Kerageorgiou. The story about this gracious, unassuming woman and her career at La Provence becomes all the more fascinating when you look beyond the uniform to meet the poet.

How long have you been a poet?

Since 1965, when I was attending eighth grade in Hammond. I had a teacher who was instrumental in encouraging me, but I lost interest after high school and didn't get back to it until I started working at La Provence in 1979.

Charlotte Kerageorgiou became the motivation for me to really pursue writing poetry again. Over the years, she has continued to be my sounding board and always gives me a truthful critique.

What do you like most about being a waitress?

I've been working in restaurants since I was 16. From the time I began waiting tables in the early '70s, I always enjoyed talking to customers. People can go anywhere to "eat," but when they come to La Provence, they receive something personal. I like to give them a special remembrance in a poem or a thought.

What are customer reactions to your poetry?

Most people are very appreciative when I give them one of my bookmarks or cards to commemorate a special occasion or event in their life. Of course, not everyone is interested in poetry. Different customers have inspired me to write-good and bad! One time Andy Rooney was in the restaurant and I gave him one of my poems that happened to be spiritually oriented. He looked up and politely said, "You know, I'm an atheist; there is no God." I politely responded by writing a poem just for him and later mailed it to him.

Have you served many celebrities over the years?

Some of the notable people who come to mind include Charles Kuralt, Patrick Wayne, Gary Coleman and Kevin Costner, who I thoroughly enjoyed serving. Wow! Those blue eyes he has-my goodness gracious! I also remember Ted Kennedy, and how nervous I was while waiting on him-just the aura surrounding who he is and where he came from.

Your poems cover a variety of subjects, from life's greatest joys to its deepest sorrows, yet all are filled with hope and encouragement.

If you don't have inner peace, there is no way you can manufacture it. I like to make people happy by writing something that touches their life.

Do you write poetry every day?

I only write when I've been inspired, by some word, some sentence, some line I heard or something I saw. When a poem comes to me fast, I know it's going to be a good one, and I just have to get it down. I was once told that the more you can say using the least number of words, the better; so, that's what I try to do.

What is your most noteworthy accomplishment?

Undoubtedly, the responses that have come from two presidents and two generals. In 1991, I wrote a poem about Desert Storm and sent it to the White House. I was awed that General Norman Schwarzkopf, General Colin Powell and former President Bush all took the time to personally respond. Then, after September 11, President Bush also sent a personal reply to my poem, "The Bells of 9-11." Just for anyone at the White House to even answer was such an honor. I made a copy of the letter from the president and framed it along with the poem. It was hanging in the restaurant foyer until someone decided to take it, frame and all. I'm sure they thought they were getting away with the original letter!

Why do you sign your poems "Just Joyce?"

I came into the world with an unexpected twin sister, and the surprise was too much for my parents to try and come up with four names. So neither of us was given a middle name. I've always been "Just Joyce."

If I brought a tear
or maybe a smile,
If I made you pause
for a moment
or stop for awhile,
If my words
in their mission
succeeded at best,
Then the poem
that I penned
has completed its quest.

Copyright 2004-2006, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved.

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