Wednesday, October 28, 2009

no one says i love you to baristas



















no one says i love you to baristas


the bar tender gets the cheers

of drunks

of degenerates

of people running from their past

the waiter gets the tips

for knowing the wine list

for peppering your salad

for keeping your water full

but no one

no one says i love you to baristas

the barista deals with addicts all day

from every walk of life

men in suits, moms with strollers

boys in tight pants, and girls with books

the barista keeps the oil flowing

caffeine to keep the spirit going

yet no one

no one says i love you to baristas

baristas are colorful people

from every walk of life

yet no one knows our names

but we know your drink

and make it to perfection

but when you see us on the streets

you turn your head away

ashamed

because you want to say i love you

to a stranger who makes

ne plus ultra dans une tasse

but then you'd be admitting you love us

more than you love your job

more than you love your children

more than you love your bike

more than you love your stories

so you tip a piece of silver

a contrite way of saying

i love you