Poem: Breathing

Outside, a man lights a cigarette.

In the restaurant, I lift a spoon.

A couple walks by the window arguing.

The cook in the kitchen is humming.

Someone spits on the pavement.

I am aware of breathing in and out.

The man, pacing, lights another cigarette.

My bowl is empty, glazed with coconut milk.

This article appears in August 2014.