Love in the Latte

Morning hums beneath the neon sign
Cups in shadow blur the line
He walks in, same time, same place
And I forget the world for a face

The espresso hisses, I hide my grin
Pretend I'm busy so he won't see me again
I draw a heart in the cinnamon dust
Then brush it away before it's too much
He asks for the usual, I nod, I know
I've memorized every word he spoke
His name's a melody I hum inside
While pretending these feelings subside

He stirs his drink, I watch the spoon
Like it might pull me in soon
And though he never looks my way
I still hope he'll stay

Love in the latte, dreams in the foam
Every swirl says you're not alone
If he could taste the thoughts I hide
Maybe he'd see me through his tired eyes
Love in the latte, hope in the steam
He sips my secret, still unseen

I clean the counter though it's already clean
Watching his reflection where I've never been
His laughter ripples like gentle rain
And I wish I could call his name
The clock hands dance, the crowd drifts thin
He waves goodbye, I wave within
He leaves the cup, I keep the sleeve
A tiny proof that I still believe

Tomorrow I'll pour a braver heart
But courage always falls apart
So I whisper to the milk and beans
Let him stay inside my dreams

Love in the latte, dreams in the foam
Every swirl says you're not alone
If he could taste the thoughts I hide
Maybe he'd see me through his tired eyes
Love in the latte, hope in the steam
He sips my secret, still unseen

Maybe one day he'll ask my name
And I'll stop pretending this is a game
Till then, my heart just quietly sings
To the sound of coffee rings

Love in the latte, warmth in the air
A promise floating everywhere
Each morning feels like destiny
He's the dream I brew for me
Love in the latte, hope in the steam
He drinks my secret, my sweetest dream

He leaves again, the doorbell chimes
I trace his cup for the hundredth time
Another day, another scene
Still, I pour my quiet dream