Simply Op

Met a stranger at the coffee shop where I have been an intermittent “regular” for ~8-years
Reflection replays past, trigger onset tears
With the owner and baristas, fleeting greeting transactions to take place
Kindly called by first name (plus remembered order), always recognized by face
Absence noticed, prompting comment or inquiry when I disappear
“It’s been a while” or “Where have you been?” I often hear
Consistency-curiosity-friendliness, mastered skillset 1% known
The shop unknowingly a witness to my life, experience with loneliness, and all the ways I have grown
The young version of me that grabbed a coffee to take to the beach, eager to snap a perfect pic
California coffee ventures captured and documented with every click
Daily texting/calling home, reading, writing, posting Yelp reviews, and creating Instagram content
Seemingly okay alone, time well spent
A little older, hours “connecting” through a cellular device
Hmm, now one might call it a vice
Heartbreak after a ~1-year relationship, drink order transition from two to one
Increased anxiety, crowded environments overwhelmingly less fun
Restless, unable to sit still for too long
Cue earbud phase (walks), creating Spotify playlists with this or that song
A few coffee dates scattered here and there, dating apps (hated) swipe win
Directed to the barista, “Did not have to pay for that myself like I usually do” grin
Periods of resentment and withdrawal, frustrated by superficiality indeed
Chasing coffee, even though, connection was the unmet need
Not to worry, never too far to stray
Where do you think I returned when I was by myself each holiday?
Unchanged with age, the external observer of the environment and relations surrounding
Practiced at gratitude, growth, and present moment grounding
Smiling at a baby, petting a nearby dog, or taking notice of thy perfect flower
Standing witness to signs of friendship and community power
Peter, a 70~ year old man, with hot cocoa to sip and laptop near
An individual with work/life aspirations, world news knowledge, and stories to hear
I have talked to other folks too, of novel humans not afraid
However, it takes 200+hrs for a true friendship to be made
Again and again, the coffee shop has welcomed me
Even when lost, confused about where to belong- where to be
Back to the stranger, the significance of him
Open stool, sat beside on a whim
He has reminded me that friendship should not feel so difficult if the person is right
That there should be comfort in their presence, humor, and no filter to fight
Conversation to reveal, still me, despite feeling a bit broken inside
A Midwestern girl in CA, nostalgia and roots hard to hide
Being a coffee shop “regular,” has taught me a great deal
Spotlighted longings and values I hope to uphold when I heal.
….
xo- Op