I didn’t mean to stay this late
but the silence back home felt louder than the city

​

the coffee is bitter
but at least it’s warm
I like how the man behind the counter
doesn’t ask questions

​

my lipstick is fading on the rim of the cup
a small red reminder
that I showed up tonight at all

​

the guy beside me lights a cigarette
like he’s been waiting for something to go wrong
but I think he’s just like me
pretending the night isn’t lonely
if someone else is sitting near

​

outside it looks like a movie set
like it’s always midnight
and in here the light is soft
no one looks me in the eye
which somehow feels kinder

​

I don’t know their names
 but for a little while
we’re all just people
trying to make it through
whatever this hour is