Coffee Shop
They come in waves
An ebb and flow of clientele
In and out, like a restless sea
Seeking favourite seats and corners
In the back, or near the big window
The regular morning ritual
The daily caffeine fix of choice
With standard order and loyalty card
The comforting, constant soundtrack
Of the steaming machine
The harsh grinding of Fairtrade beans
And gurgling of scalding water
Brewing long shots of espresso
Americano, Mocha and Latte
The counter filled with cakes and chocolates
And the clanking of spoons in cups and mugs
Clattering in saucers carefully carried away
Singles sit quietly, stirring froth
Peering into phones or computers
Living out their different lifestyles
Absorbed in the not-here, not-now
Thoughtful, contemplating
Playing with the sugar sachets
Or flipping idly through the papers
Ladies in twos and threes
Hustling and bustling
Amid bulging shopping and handbags
Between crowded tables
Dropping voices to a whisper
Through confidential sections
Of their general gossiping
Chatting and chattering
Lingering till lunchtime
Before suddenly rushing away
To meet a pressing engagement
Then the unexpected pause
A reduced coming and going
The noise dropping down to a whisper
Leaving chairs at awkward angles
A rare respite in operations
The barrista sighs and wipes his brow
And a waitress clears the tables
Wiping surfaces as she goes
Behind the receding tide
Of floating humanity
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