Steam curls above the porcelain rim
The air still gray the lights still dim;
A maple sign hums through the rain
Welcoming hearts to start again
The waitress hums a morning hymn
The world half-empty half within;
She pours each cup as if to say
“All losses rest before the day ”
A stranger writes between two sips
His pen recalls forgotten trips;
The hour holds its gentle creed—
Begin again though none may heed
By sunrise chatter breaks the calm
The clock resumes its faithful psalm;
And those who came with weary eyes—
Depart with ordinary skies