simply human

so many things come to mind in a coffee shop....people watching is one of my favorite pastimes.

photo courtesy of wordpress.com

today

the circumference 

of the coffee shop 

is equal to “pie” squared 

and the equation of life seems unsolvable

i watch her

a caricature of herself

bright orange lipstick on the perimeter

of a clownish smile

gravity has not been kind and her self-esteem

is directly proportional 

to the remainder of latte in her paper cup

over there sits

mister incongruent

raggedy jeans and tee

with a diamond watch on his veined wrist

his overload of eccentricity would baffle even euclid

the cappuccino machine

is perpendicular to a window lacking symmetry

and certainly unfamiliar with the washer method

i show simple interest to a passerby

with a friendly smile

momentarily forgetting reciprocal rule is not in effect

there is but one constant here

we are simply 

           or not so simply

                            human

Reviews

[Kelly Scheppers]

We are quite an interesting species to watch, aren't we? I used to do the same when I worked at a mall, I would take my lunch break and simply walk and observe the merchants and the shoppers. It got pretty hectic around the holidays, so I ventured to eat lunch in the office, instead.

I love this, just as much as coffee itself! A very astute observation and delivery...a must for my library!

Are there any "Dunkin Donuts" in Florida, Lydi? I was just commenting to FT about how good their coffee is!

[Lydia Shutter]

Yes, Dunkin' Donuts is all over the place here. I do not like their coffee, sorry. Just too strong for me. I tend to get tea there or in Starbucks for that reason. Thanks for the great review! Lydi**

[B. Boileau]

People watching is one of my favorites too. Although watching on the Vegas strip can get a little weird sometimes. Nicely written , reminds me of a coffe shop in NJ I used to go to all the time.
Thanks for the memory !!!!

[Lydia Shutter]

NJ brings back memories for me too....I was born there and lived there 16 years. I am sure Vegas has plenty of interesting people to watch! Thanks for the review. Lydi**

[B. Boileau]

I never write about what I see in Vegas. No one would believe it!

[Lydia Shutter]

LOL I am sure you are right.

[m.s.early]

This poem is a quick slice of a glimpse of a particularly observant scene in life. The familiarity is unavoidable and it is relate-able to anyone that can read. The delivery flows uniquely. I'm up late reading poetry and this is a real treat.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, silver. Glad you enjoyed. Lydi*

[Ken Simm.]

This is full of those wish I'd thought of that lines given a very human and searching slant. It makes for fascinating and beautiful reading. Deep thoughts on the human condition hidden in clear descriptions.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, Ken. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Lydi**

[Jimmy Yetts]

Skillful depiction.
One profoundly perceptive portrayal.
A joy to read!

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Jimmy. Lydi*

[Desert Knave]

" ... her self-esteem is directly proportional to the remainder of latte in her paper cup...". Love that line. A character study that could fit bars, Laundromats, libraries ... just about anywhere. You really do write superbly. ~Jim

[Lydia Shutter]

My friend, it tickles me that you come to check out my words on Fridays. I have not been writing much lately. Just too busy with life. I appreciate your review. Lydi**

[Desert Knave]

I get that. Depression has been kicking me around ... but at least that got me the notes for a dark poem I hope to finish this weekend. And, even as my mind gets more distracted, I hope to always seek out your words. ~Jim

[Beccy]

Hi Lydia. It's always both fascinating and vicariously enjoyable to people watch; and something I confess I do quite often, as do so many poets, it being part of the stock in trade as it were. :)))

This is brilliantly observational poetry and I enjoyed and absorbed every line. Beccy.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks for stopping by to read and review my words, Beccy. I appreciate it. Lydi**

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Lydi... Each person has a different gait...
depending on their state of mind. They come to their
favorite coffee shop to find a balance and a few smiles.
If they appear in poetry... all the better. Life is happen-
stance, unless fate is in a good mood. Your poem is a shot
of auditions for the day with a touch of serendipity...
truly, Pat

[Lydia Shutter]

Your reviews are so poetic, Pat. Thank you very much. Lydi**

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Lydi... your poetry reminds me of
Geometry class in high school. I loved drawing
read moredear Lydi... your poetry reminds me of
Geometry class in high school. I loved drawing
Images which is reflected in your poem...
truly, Pat

[Patricia Wedel]

I loved drawing images which is reflected in
your poetry...

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you once again, Pat.

[An owl on the moon]

A wondrous glimpse into a moment... and yes... of living in our simplicity, our complexity, our humanness. I could sense this moment so deeply woven onto time's fabric.

[Lydia Shutter]

Craig, I always appreciate your kind reviews. Thank you. Lydi**

[redzone]

I really like this poem... I often watch people while sitting in my favorite cafe, drinking my latte, grande... and your poem describes this experience perfectly... including that cappuccino machine, noisy little bugger... your poem is wonderfully and "nicely" done and I wish I would have wrote it... lol

redzone

[Lydia Shutter]

You wish you could have written it too! :) Thank you very much, Curt. Having a review from you makes my poem more real....I mean that. I appreciate you stopping by...so "nice" of you. Lydi**

[Gee]

People watching,a great way to while away the hours(especially on holidays)Beautifully written

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks, Gee. Lydi*