In the bookstore cafe,
an old man in a ***** blue winter coat
struggled to eat an oversized chocolate cupcake
and sip at a small coffee.
His hands and thighs shook uncontrollably
as he focused more on safeguarding
his dignity, by not smearing the frosting
across his wrinkled face,
rather than enjoying the expensive treat.
The mall rats at neighboring tables
wore expressions of pity
for the man,
for his limitations.
He and I, we knew the truth,
that once he finished that cupcake
and downed that coffee,
he moved on with his day
a champion.