At the outdoor patio of my neighborhood coffee bar
I’m the only one
Who came here alone.

No friends
To wave to
No BFFs
To hang out with
No beloved
To hold hands with
No baby
To dandle
No toddler
To follow around
No dog
To pet
No barista who knows me
To kibitz with.

No one
To answer to
No social conventions
To fit into
No significant other
To put up with
No baby
To soothe
No toddler
To chase after
No dog
To clean up after
No distractions
From restorative solitude.

I came here by myself
To enjoy sun and breeze
On the outdoor patio of my neighborhood coffee bar.
I’m not lonely
Because I’m not afraid
To be alone.