Sitting in a Coffee Shop Watching the World Go By

Light pours through

the stained glass windows

And the girl with the dreads walks in,

fishing in her army jacket pockets

for loose change

 

A couple sits together on the booth

using separate laptops

The distance between them

just enough that you can’t tell

if they’re fighting or

just focusing on their respective tasks

 

Two friends who haven’t seen each other in awhile

greet each other gregariously,

laughing and hugging

Then step outside for a smoke

 

A mug gets dropped

and the shattering sound halts all conversation

Everyone staring at the counter

 

An older woman goes up to the register

to complain - she ordered no whipped cream

Even though what she’s bitching about

is just milk foam

 

The grinder whirs

as the barista pulls a shot of espresso

Followed by the hiss of milk steaming

 

A few Starbucky b*****s walk in,

look around, and peace out

That’s fine

We don’t want your kind here

 

A handsome young man

gets up for his third refill of coffee

Then returns to reading his book

in the blue armchair

 

Two older gentlemen

sit at a table for two playing chess

Their brows furrowed

and eyes searching the checkered board

 

An obvious newcomer walks in

standing awkwardly by the pastry cabinet

and gawking at the menu

 

 

The bell on the door jingles

as my friend passes through

We exchange a wave and smile

I bring my mug to my lips

burning my tongue again

on the bitterly delicious brew