Alone in a Café

“Every one of us is losing something precious to us. Lost opportunities, lost possibilities, feelings we can never get back again. That’s part of what it means to be alive. But inside our heads – at least that’s where I imagine it – there’s a little room where they store those memories. A room like the stacks in this library. And to understand the workings of our own heart we have to keep on making new reference cards. We have to dust things off every once in a while, let in fresh air, change the water in the flower vases. In other words, you’ll live forever in your own private library.” – Haruki Murakami

A hidden part of my personality

Has a deep longing

To exist forever in a particular moment

Hit pause

Comfortably perched

In the nook of a cafe

Alongside a large window

Gaze outside at the people that pass by

Watch as the rain pounds down on the pavement

Warm and cozy

Each person

Different story, different path

For a second

We cross paths

Maybe to never cross again

A book in one hand

One of my favorites

A mug of coffee in the other

I take slow sips 

Tasting each flavor individually

I feel the warmth of the liquid 

As it flows down my body

Looking around at others in the cafe

There is one who catches my eye

It is not his looks

But his energy

A deep and profound sadness

Few have experienced 

Exudes from his exterior

A sense of self awareness

Was gained

But what was lost?

I return to my book

Lost in the story 

I enter a new reality

I want to stay

But I know I cannot

Before I know it 

The book is over

The story is tied

In a nice and neat, little bow

One day

I may return

But I know it will not be the same

My coffee cools down

I tried to treasure it

But I should have more

When it was still hot

I finish the remaining sips

And wonder how to pace myself 

So I can get the most out of the experience

How to pace myself in life

I watch as the man leaves

I wonder where he is going

If our paths will cross again

Once more

The rain outside slows to a halt

All that is left

Is wet pavement

The sun comes out once again

I realize it is time to leave

I leave a part of myself behind

I will return

One of these days