Watch And Stare. Poem by Terry Collett

Johnny likes
the back corner seat
in the cafe

it gives a good view
of those entering
and leaving

and a good view
of the baristas
as they work

at the bar
especially
the Clara Bow

lookalike
with her black hair
and cute cut

and dark eyes
and thin
almost

indecipherable smile
and in the background
the piped Baroque music

or sometimes jazz
setting feet to tapping
but this day

the barista is
the short girl
with the Italian twang

who gets
the orders right on cue
and who knows

your requirements
before you say
on a good day

the tattooed barista
has gone
his favourite gaze

to watch her work
and talk and smile
and the glitter

in her eyes
she works
elsewhere

for other men
to watch
and stare.