The Cafe

So many times while growing up

I've watched men stare in coffee cups,
And women in some small cafe
Gaze out windows, thoughts far away.


Sometimes I'd watch for quite awhile,
Curious, yet afraid to know
What hurt his eyes, or made her smile,
Then bow her head in silence so.

Other times I'd not watch so long,
For I still heard the children's song.
But hearts see things that ears don't hear,
And mine saw much year after year.

Sometimes while in a small cafe
I sit alone thoughts far away,
Then turn my head in time to see
Some younger person . . . watching me.