Here, surrounded
By warm noise
Chattering patrons
Gossiping regulars
Jazz from the City
I feel comfortable
As though home.
Even on a cloudy day
They keep the lights low
And my mind
Slows to dim.
Coffee in a sailor’s mug
Arrives at my table
As I sit down alone
With room for six.
Without offering a menu
The owner takes my order.
He calls me warmly by name
And I thank him
The same way.
I return day after day
To read, write, eat
And nourish my soul.
They know me here;
I feel love.
