Outside Ann's Cafe

Sadly, Ann's Cafe is just a memory now.

While it was there on Watervliet Avenue, though, it was an oasis, a welcoming refuge along the route of our morning walks.

During the cold months we sat inside, in the embrace of all those delicious cooking aromas.

On milder days we enjoyed the freedom of the tables on the sidewalk, the sounds of passing traffic, the wafting blandishments of wonderful baked goods coming from inside.

Oh, the memories, the sweet memories we have of that place.

The poem:

OUTSIDE ANN'S CAFE

The cars

go purring past

while we enjoy

the morning cool

on the sidewalk

at Ann's Café.

It's too pretty

to stay inside,

we say, settling

into our chairs

like two tired

teddy bears.

The sweet smell

of baked goods

comes stealing out

to where we sit,

tempting us, but

we are steadfast,

unmoved by this.

The steady click

of our spoons,

the clunk of cups

against the glass

tabletop give

more than adequate

testimony

to our resolve.

But then . . .

© 1999

(originally published in Capper's)

***

Today's word: steadfast