the waiters float just out of eye line and know
when I'm ready to settle the bill,
they don't interrupt me to top up the eau
or demand of me, 'How was your meal?'
My tea isn't sent in advance of the food,
grown too cold when my breakfast arrives,
and there's no boisterous party that sours my mood
with their guffaws and clattering knives.
The tables are spaced so that nobody's bum
sweeps my fork to the floor as they leave
and the linen is real, it will never become
bagged-up waste for the dump to receive.
My lunch will be served tasting better by far
than the menu description conveyed,
while the chair back includes a low, comfortable bar
so my spine won't complain that I stayed.
The service is prompt, not so quick I feel rushed,
yet the food won't take long to appear;
but don't plan on a visit, your hopes will be crushed,
this café's just my wistful idea.