Lunch Lady Lore
I’m privileged to be married to a woman in “the 1%,” not for wealth, but for something far richer. For ten years, she’s wielded a ladle like a legend. Here’s a poem honoring Lunch Lady Pauline.
My two favorite Lunch Ladies: Chris Farley (SNL legend) & Pauline Dowell (Parkview Elementary, Columbia IL). One made us laugh and one makes a difference.
Lunch Lady Lore
Her smile’s the first thing children see
When lunchtime rolls around - you can guarantee.
The kids all cheer - they know her well,
The Lunch Lady of Parkview’s heart swells.
While her boss sighs and rolls her eyes
On policies The Lunch Lady won’t compromise,
The health department is on her list:
“This expired food just can’t persist!”
“Welcome to lunch!” her voice rings clear,
Spreading kindness, joy and lunchtime cheer.
The “pintos with pizazz” might not fly.
And mystery meat gets a wary eye.
But still the cooks work hard each day.
Though some meals go the “straight-to-trash” way.
A Halloween memory still shines bright,
As trick-or-treaters gather with bags held tight.
As our home door opens, “IT’S THE LUNCH LADY!” they exclaim
No superhero has a stronger claim to fame!
More than a lunch lady, that’s plain to see,
A guardian angel at Parkview Elementary.
A decade strong, year after year,
The “cafeteria hustle” her chosen career.
Extroverted, warm, loving, and bold -
Stories of her kindness will for years be told.
Some children need an extra hug,
Some need a friend, some need a shrug.
She knows them all by name and face,
And in her heart, they have a place.
“Welcome to lunch!” her voice rings clear,
Spreading kindness, joy, and lunchtime cheer.
And when the school year’s at its end,
A few small gifts she’ll subtly send -
Little treasures that assure each heart
That to the Lunch Lady they are set apart.
Ten years of service, allegiance sworn,
Her “badge of courage” proudly worn.
An advocate, the kids’ true friend,
On whom they know they can depend.
More than a lunch lady, that’s plain to see,
A guardian angel at Parkview Elementary.
Here’s to you, whose smile ignites
A lunchroom filled with pure delights.
In every dish and every tray,
You serve up joy in a brilliant display.
~ Mark Dowel, April 2025
And yes, I had way too much fun writing this. The Halloween story is true - that was the moment I knew my wife was a legend. The kids literally yelled, “It’s the Lunch Lady!”
In a world hungry for heroes, sometimes the most nourishing ones wear aprons. If you’ve got a story of your own, I’d love to hear it. Thanks for reading - and for seeing the sacred in the ordinary.
From back when SNL was still funny - Enjoy!
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LOVE THIS!.........and it's all true!
Just shows that someone in what many people consider a humble position at best can have a greater positive influence in the world than many in high places. Well done, Pauline!