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
