The coffee arrives before you do,
Patient, like me.
I choose the seat that faces the door,
Just in case hope needs directions.
Steam lifts its face,
Searching for yours.
I practice your name
On the rim of the cup.
It fits.
The room hums softly,
As if it knows to behave.
Every empty chair feels intentional,
Every second, rehearsed.
I imagine your fingers
Finding mine by accident,
Then staying on purpose.
The coffee grows bolder,
Or maybe it’s my heart.
I sip where your smile should be,
Sweetened by the thought of you.
Love, I decide,
Is not always presence
Sometimes it’s space
Held carefully.
If you come,
I’ll still be here.
If you don’t,
This moment loved me anyway.