Making the Scene

by Margaret Young

So this is it you have accessorized the beautiful barista
at the South Side Beehive coffeehouse. Took coffee

in Quality Products Heavy Duty Roller Bearings mug,
stirred in turbinado sugar, patted husky puppy,

sat down to poems, bummed one Camel Wide
from the next table’s long–haired girl, realized

you left coffee at sugar station so got up, passing
the counter where the sassy counter chick

has stuck it behind her pale lovely ear

it gleams against her purplish hair

the plastic purple plum you tipped her with

the ten cent thrift store Made in Hong Kong plum

that today must pass for blossom, blessing.