Sitting here in this cheerful café,
I watch the steam rise from my cup,
and I stir some sugar into my tea
as shared laughter drifts upwards.

A delicious lemon drizzle cake
sits in the centre of the table,
much like a sweet, sticky offering
to the joys of friendship, good company
and fond memories.

We sit here chatting away
as if no time has passed between us,
the conversation flows like honey,
as stories and smiles spill across the table
along with stray cake crumbs.

Time seems irrelevant
as tea leaves unfurl,
seeping in the teapot
as our hearts open just as gently.

Our voices blend like the perfect brew
strong and sweet,
warm and familiar
filling emptiness with belonging.

The afternoon daylight streams
through the large windows,
warming our eyes and faces
in this moment we created.

Perfect in its simplicity,
rich as lemon drizzle cake
and as enduring as friendship.

©️Lizzie Bevis