Moira

A couple sits at a small table
nestled in the corner by a window
with a view of the street.
Pinot Grigio dances in their glasses
as they reach across the table to hold hands.
They share a smile and lean their heads in closer
for a private conversation.
On the other side of the window a woman starts walking across the street.
Her tired eyes scan the people sitting on the patio
for the person who looks most promising.
On the other side of the window, the couple shares a joke,
makes plans for the weekend,
and dreams about their next vacation.
On the other side of the window a chair scrapes the cement
as the woman pulls it out and takes a seat
across from a stranger.
She reaches for his lighter, flicks it twice,
and lights her cigarette.
The stranger does his best to ignore her.
On the other side of the window the woman straightens her trendy skirt and
slides her pedicured feet out of her summer sandals
as he playfully grabs her toes.
On the other side of the window the stranger glances across the table.
He finally notices the worn shirt sliding off her shoulders,
revealing her breast and old faded tattoos.
She crosses her legs and her skirt barely covers her thigh.
Her swollen feet squeeze out between the black straps on her
second hand shoes.
On the other side of the window the couple comments on the thoughtful selection of cheese,
how each one enhances the subtle flavors
in the perfectly chilled wine.
They tease each other about who gets to have another
glass and who gets to drive home.
On the other side of the window the woman tries to engage the stranger in conversation.
He humors her for a while, but she grows
restless and she comes to understand this
encounter will not go anywhere.
It will not lead to cash.
Both women stand and sling their purses
over their shoulders as they make their way to the patio gate.
Their eyes meet for one moment and they exchange awkward smiles.
As they walk away from each other
they can’t help but wonder the same thing.