From hustle and bustle of busy village life,

through the arched decorated entrance 

the contrast of weather temperature and silence hits,

as the warmth of the cosy room

and aroma of rich ground coffee

fill nostrils and stimulates appetites

 

In an instant, noise from vehicles

straining up the steep gradient,

changes to easy on the ear tones,

of happy background music

that satisfies the soul

As does the warmth and ambience

of both this street cafe

and its exuberant staff

 

Looking down the old village cobbled street

is still possible from an alcove,

by looking at a huge printed portrait

Another even bigger one

takes you on a journey

to old snow covered village scenes,

from many years prior, in character,

with painted figures chatting outside

the original old barbers shop

 

Finally the waitress brings good tidings

of great food, the mood is busy but civilised.

I’m eighteen again in my head, making a flippant comment, taken in the same spirit

Oh it feels good, flattery still stirs and brings cheer

to old and young alike

Friends smiling, chatting endlessly,

children in buggies or wedged on laps,

as tea or coffee splurges from taps,

that hiss and purr, making faces with frowns,

in milky foam to dampen down

the intense heat of tastes so sweet

 

Almost every soul is glued to a hand held device,

as if transfixed, mesmerised and captivated, addicted, predictive text pacing their silent conversations, through the archway.