Coffee Siren

Crater Lake shrinks, becoming more distant in my mirror
I drive until the first diner, coffee my motivation
Fresh. Hot. Coffee.
the name of this place forgotten
perhaps even by locals
I take a seat at the counter
as the only patron in the place
and look towards the waitress
she moves towards me, expressionless
thrilled to be working on a Thursday morning
mumbling thoughts of a dark steaming beverage
I leave my travel cup in her care
it needs to be rinsed but I don't expect it
sure enough, I'm not let down.
steeling off to the restroom I do my best to rinse up
upon returning, my mug is filled
I give her eighty five cents for the coffee
leave double for tip, and have to ask for cream
she was cute enough, too young for me
I hope she finds her way out from behind the counter.
before long she'll become like the restaurant's road sign-
permanent, faded, and forgotten

San Carlos

I suppose it is still early
Eight O'Clock in the morning.
The colors around me are
muted by overcast skies.

Dan-Mar Tool and Supply Co.
stands still in cool air.
The sign on the door
listing business hours
has long since faded,

bleached by cycles of the sun.
Leaving no clue
as to how long
I'd be waiting.

Of Dogs...

Satisfaction in a Moment

Three faithful dogs lie near me
Two in the shade -
cool concrete providing welcome relief
one in the sun -
panting off the midday heat.
A modest breeze takes the edge off.

I'm working tonight, I have nothing to do
for two more hours -
I can busy myself swatting mosquitoes
sipping a cool beer -
or stare off with out seeing.
The dogs have it figured, they did from day one.

A slow fly teases a pointy ear
landing briefly -
before it is launched with a flick
my mind wanders -
what more can I ask for?
What more can I want?



Still Working

Three dogs lay beside me
still but not sleeping
eyes closed but not dreaming.
The relaxed manner
slow, rhythmic breathing
recharges the four -legged batteries
preparation for the next task
having already barked at a jogger
laid chase to the ever-teasing cat
checked the perimeter
and refreshed the bounding marks
a hungry jay snuck food from their bowls
just a few pieces
they won't go wanting
One dog sighs and yawns
the most movement since I sat down
they look so peaceful
who knows of their thoughts
they aren't fooling me
they're still on the clock.