It Was the Last Great Day

It was the Last Great Day The first time I decided in my heart I wanted coffee, And not just straight black, like I usually preferred With two Irish creamers And a small mixing straw I began to think about you, And I decided in my heart that I was okay with it I was okay with you leaving, Without a goodbye It was the Last Great Day And you were lingering around the emptying room I was sipping the coffee, editing a poem on the laptop It tasted too sweet, but I kept drinking In that uncomfortable coffee delirium And before I knew it, there you stood I knew it was you—I didn’t have to look up But I did I didn’t have to get a coffee, But I did You began to talk to me, As if we were friends, As if we were actually connected in some small, minuscule way I was ready For the goodbye It was the Last Great Day You said, “Hope you had a good time.” I nodded, smiled feebly, and your sad smile melted me You said, “It’s moments like these that get to me.” I nodded, understanding you You stood there, struggling for words I closed the laptop and sucked in a breath You said, “It reminds me that I have to go back to work again.” I said softly, standing, “I get you…” You looked away I died a little, setting the coffee down I knew I shouldn’t have gotten it I hate coffee with cream I hate those glistening eyes that tell me so much more than what you try to hide The goodbye never came, On the Last Great Day It will be the last talk for a long while, And I am okay with that I am perfectly okay with that… Because, next time, You won’t affect me You won’t sweeten me I’m taking my coffee black