Coffee Break

Stare the other way.
The floor.
That looks interesting.
A glance, no,
Look away.
What's that on the table?
Fascinating, fire extinguishers.
Eye, contact, look away.
What's that out the window?
Trees, the blinds, compelling.
Sip hot tea, avoiding gazes,
Furtive, shy, trying to find,
A safe place to look.
The wall? Eyes down.
No! Don't stare there.
Gulp your tea,
Escape elsewhere.
Inside, daydreaming.
Silence, cups steaming.
Conversation sparks,
Never finding tinder.
Minutes, minutes.
It ends.
Cups on the trolley,
Back to work.

I'm so glad we have
A few minutes each day
For social interaction.
It makes
Such a difference.