How Can I Touch You?

Stuart Watkins

How can I touch you

with this doughnut in my hand?

Why have you come to me now?

You slide your hand across my back

and say, “Good to see you here.”

How do I respond?

Coffee in the left, doughnut in the right,

lips to be wiped,

and now you.

Our eyes met many times past.

Shyness finally overcome.

You and I mentally agreed.

And I,

drinking coffee too hot to sip,

dropping the last doughnut bite

on the floor,

smearing fingers on my back pocket

in haste.

I startle at the sting

of coffee-seared lips

as you pour your coffee

and return to your seat

next to him.