The cafe with the weird name
was empty save for a hat wearer
and unfriendly counter help.
The choices had already been made,
no mention of missuses nor
random crumbs on immaculate tables.
My table was wobbly so I moved.
The hat noticed, stared perhaps in thought
or in doubt of my motiveless charisma.
I had a book to pander to
opened it and drank my latte.
When the rush hour crowd arrived
I did my best to appear preoccupied.
What size tip can be appropriate when
departure is of itself an acknowledgement?