Returning
confidently to the workplace
where the shift starts easy
and gradually gets a little busy.
I can see in myself
and through the responsive vibes
of customers
and coworkers
that I'm doing something right.
There are of course,
some people who like to enjoy their meal
without any further interaction.
This is how I thought
the old Finish couple wanted to enjoy theirs.
Yet I kept returning to their table,
to ask where they are from
or to serve them strawberry margaritas.
The lady then suddenly removes her sombrero
and gives her phone to her husband.
She opens her arm and I reach to ask how I can help.
She drags me into her arms and holds me for a picture.
I become so overwhelmed as we share
a love- filled moment of non-verbal affection.
The day continues with more
fun Scandinavians and Russians coming in.
At some point a Brazilian- looking woman arrives
with her family of husband and two sons.
I ask if she is Brazilian,
as last night a Brazilian woman had said I look Brazilian.
She tells me she's from Palestine.
A bell rings in my head
'Do you speak Arabic?'
'Of course!'
'Ana kaman [me too]'
'Walla! Mn wein nti? [Really! Where are you from?']
I explain I am from Cyprus
but was in Lebanon and spent time in Shatila.
She is a bit shocked.
She tells me
she has friends there
and that it's an unsafe environment for them.
I tell her
I agree and that even politically
what's happening is terrible.
But that the people there are very, very loving.
We share a compassionate blink
and I proceed to take orders.
I feel the conversation hasn't been completed
and I wish I could speak Arabic for longer.
I'm carrying drinks
thinking of this crazy coincidence
and where I was
and where I am
and that this coincidence should appear like that
on a Wednesday;