Drink coffee alone
Somewhere far from here
Spiced without sugar or cream
Dip in Biscotti
Or Turkish delights
Whatever the local scene
Read the newspaper
The headlines the same
No matter the tribe or tongue
Befriend the street cat
He’ll be your guide here
And lead you to your next love
A balcony girl
Barefooted in red
In search of a man for bed
Or a windswept nun
Poor and on the run
With her harp and song of praise
Or he’ll leave you there
Beg for crumbs elsewhere
Just you and your coffee cup
So that time may slow
The hours carved in stone
Unmoved by a telltale sun
Nod at your waiter
And tip him quite well
He poured you eternity
Wander off when done
Somewhere to nowhere
Shangri-La to The Shambles
Eyeing your next bed
Hanging flowerpots
Scented by a coffee brew
For when dawn taps night
Lures her out of bed
Coffee will be on your mind
Quiet alone at peace
The whole world your home
Your hand curled around the cup
Nibbles on a plate
Sun lines on a cloth
This time forever your fate