Paper Folds & Coffee Cups

• Laura Webb, Grade 10, St Patrick's College
• Poetry
• 2013

Excellence Award in the 'Dream Big 2013' competition

“A young man sits, his glasses slipping down the bridge of his nose.
He writes a letter of adoration on his tattered paper menu.
My darling, dearest, sweetheart, my all. . .
His pen achingly falters from his decrepit hand
As velvet breath leaves the creased valleys of his lips.
The caffeinated beverage in his left hand turns cold.
Emptiness looms from every pore in his despondent body.
The young man is unable to end his letter.
He mouths every syllable in a drunken slur, then folds the paper in half.
Placing the letter on a vacant table, he takes his leave.
Wondering who will read its contents.”

A young lady looks up from the folded parchment in her hands.
And sees a young man, whose glasses slip down his nose,
Leave through the door.