A night in the cafe

I have found simplicity It has discovered me in this cafe. The chairs describe the colors of sunsets, and the walls are comforting shades. My waiter is a husky, dark skinned man. His name tag reads: Hi My Name is Tony. He has years painted on his brow, and time under his eyes. My sight catches a glimpse of teenagers, 2 girls and a boy. Their words cascade a midst clattering dishes and silverware. Their spanish is proper, perhaps South American. Beyond the glass of the window, I watch an American Flag dance to the winds rhythm While cars pass like shadows with glowing eyes. My hunger is growing, And my cigarrette still burns in the ash tray. The sizzling of food fogs my ear, The murmuring voices fall underneath it. I light another cigarrette And pull long and hard. My hand trembles while I write. Suddenly, a flash corrupts my concentration, I am thinking about him again. Such a smile crosses my face, But only his smile brings it. 2 men pass the window, They share a laugh and glance at me. Now they vanish in their car, and their tail lights are all of their memory to me. I pull my cigarrette again and my food arrives, Steaming. However I am not hungery anymore. He has occupied my thoughts and quenched my appetite. But I must eat. I scatter salt and pepper on my plate, and take a bite. Wow, I am hungery after all. I chase each bite with another Until my plate is empty. I ask for a refill of my tea And scan the cafe for any new comers. But I see only myself. He is again in my thoughts. So I light another cigarrette and contemplate my heart while I weigh his. I see the feeling I have dismissed so many other times before him. I signal for my bill, As I get up to leave He enters. Smiling. And he says what I have never had the courage to say. We leave together, And in this moment I am happy. Written April 9th, 2002 © on Apr 08 2002 05:50 PM PST   0 • 8