Reflections Of A Midnight Diner

The diner at midnight held a varied array of souls that drifted in on an unseen wind.

Their laughter, their tears, their joy, and heartaches walked on silver feet about the room.

Dozens of voices commingled with the bacon and eggs that fried on the grill.

And I sat alone in the back corner sipping a hot cup of coffee… just watching.

I had worked eleven hours today, and sitting quietly was preferable to talking.

I just listened…I heard the young girl tell her boyfriend that she did not love him.

I heard an old man tell tales about the Korean War, and watched sadly as no one paid him any mind.

In the quietness of this reflection I began to see behind the mask that so many wore.

Behind the laughter of some, there were many tears, and heartache, hidden by their mask.

Behind others lived suspicion and blatant distrust for their companion.

And some wore the mask of true self…I reached up and touched my face just to see…

J. Allen Wilson © 8/14/2009