Two cafe poems

Beneath my feet is a floor made of stone bricks,

squeaky sounds heard

while I walk towards the counter

The baristas standing in front of me

smiling and welcoming me passionately

the list of drinks is displayed on the wall

behind the bar

ranging from Cappuccino to Frappuccino

teas to juices

there is a board advertising smoothies and soup

a range of cakes and pastries are stacked

on glass shelves by the till

this area long and narrow

with tables along the outside wall

it makes the foyer area difficult to

negotiate the loading of trays and moving

through to the cafe

delicious smell of coffee

the sounds of laughter and chatter

the cafe proper large rectangular

bare bricks walls painted white

high ceilings industrial

a mine field of obstacles, bags, pushchairs

to trip the unwary

………………

It’s all a balancing act

carrying tray and handbag

dangling like an offensive weapon

through a crowded cafe

full mostly of female customers

the highchair with the tow headed toddler

impeding the space needed to move forward

bags, arms and even a dog

make reversing difficult

bright sunlight making me squint

illuminating stark white walls

a myriad of hair colours

and the universal winter drab wardrobe

the small wooden tables for two

hold items for a lunchtime snack

large cups of coffee and toasted sandwiches

my stomach rumbles as the aroma hits me

Pots of tea and toasted tea cakes

dotted with globes of golden butter

I move backwards to a junction

then plough forward again

towards the beacon of the sunlight

table next to the picture window

As I murmer excuse me, sorry like a mantra