Earshot
You know how it is.
Late for work.
In a hurry.
You wait too long
for your take-out
personalized
coffee beverage.
The hand swirling
of the caramel
on your macchiato,
well, it takes time.
I get my drink
and make my exit
in haste.
A few steps and
I'm in full stride.
The place is packed.
All the tables taken.
The din plays tricks
on my ears.
I catch a snippet
of a conversation
as I near the door.
Two men
at a round table.
One large, sweaty,
his arms outstretched
and animated;
the other slight, passive,
smiling wanly,
his eyes darting
this way and that.
The large guy
is doing the talking.
Either he has just said:
"Accept Jesus
into your life
and you will
immediately benefit
from his generosity."
Or:
"Sign up today
for a rewards card
and save 10%
on all future purchases."
I told you
noise is a problem.
I glance back
over my shoulder
at the table,
at the other guy,
the passive guy.
Maybe his expression
will provide a clue.
But it's the same
wan smile,
the same
elusive eyes.
They stop on mine
briefly
then flit away.
Maybe he didn't hear
right either.
I wonder.
But it doesn't
much matter to me.
Whatever was said
wasn't meant
for me.
Random words.
In one ear
and out the other.
All I know for certain
is that I’m very late
and the cost of a
cup of coffee
these days
is too damn high.
Swirl or no swirl.
9:29:39 PM  Poems
|
|
