Café con leche, steam rising off the top
In a dark little coffee shop, warm and cozy at 15th & Platte
The smell of bold beans and pastry sweetness
The sound of low voices and occasional laughter
Chess pieces glide over boards and cards shuffle to be dealt
Open book on the table, unread, eyes unable to focus
Sitting alone, lost in thought and lonely
No one to converse with, debate the latest politic



Better to take a walk, in the cold winter air...



Bundle up in down feathers, coffee cup in gloved hand
Book tucked into purse on shoulder
Breathe taking on a frosty form
The night so clear and crisp,
Silence is diluted, muted, made deeper by falling snow
The crunch of footsteps enhanced, echoing thru out the city
No destination planned, only walking to awaken the senses
To stop thinking what the mind tends to think
When nostalgic and alone
Cheeks stinging, thighs feel sensitive under cold jeans


Coffee keeps the insides warm


Approaching the river, hear the rush of water
Colder air hits the face, breathless
Mesmerized by dark rapids
Remembering what it used to be like
To stand here accompanied and wanted
Now unaccompanied and unwanted
Chest fills with emotion, sadness threatening to take over


Don’t want to feel like that again, so...


With a deep sigh and a last drink of warm liquid
Turn around, throw the empty cup in the trash


Leave memories behind...


Walk back towards the coffee shop parking lot…


I’m ready to go home now.