The Cafe on the Corner

Across a craggy sidewalk

Hurried footsteps pitter-patter

Like the rushing of a river

Along concrete banks and asphalt crossings

-

I split the stream, steadfast and determined

Searching for refuge from the turbulence of life

Perhaps I am more aligned with a salmon

Swimming, instead, into the blue-gray sky

-

I find my way along cold steel and glass

Seeking the siren's song of warmth

A whisper from a verdant cottage

Made lush by the wellspring of gentle smiles

-

I am carried in on an autumn breeze

Through a crooked oak door

The weathered hinge creaks

A fond familiar greeting

-

Nestled in the corner booth

Scattered pages surround me like fallen leaves

Enveloped in rich aromas

A concert of hazelnut and mahogany

-

The whirring of coffee grounds interrupted

By jets of hissing steam

Consequently rhythmic

The machinations of caffeine

-

"I'm working on a book,"

I say, knowing full well

I came to sip my coffee

And get lost in daily dreams