A ring
welcoming
the smell of fresh coffee.
Intimate conversation

is white noise
to the melody in the mundane
coffee order of his familiar voice
that captures mine.

Although I’m earnest while saying hello,
her grin holds a thousand secrets;
the few words I manage seem small,
but she continues to collect them for her tip jar.

Hidden in line, he's disguised his affection.
She awaits his arrival, his orders; they share
silence. An unfilled cup and connection
swept away, unnamed, a new cross to bare.