Human Cafe

Human Cafe…

People from all walks of life fill the place.
Each one carries their own unique story.

Not everyone here deals with mental illness, 
but every soul in this cafe knows vulnerability and fragility.

In this cafe, regulars get it. 
It's where the barista knows your name.
They offer compassion, a cozy spot, and a menu full of kindness.

Life's like sipping coffee.
Sometimes it's bitter, knocking us off-kilter.
Sleepless nights as dark as espresso,
Workloads as heavy as a coffee machine,
and bitter memories we find hard to shake.

We all have solitary moments,
like a lone patron at a table. 
Some face discrimination, leaving a bad taste.

Life changes, like moving cafe furniture,
or losing a loved one, an empty chair at our table.

Bad news stings like hot tea,
political turmoil, in the heated corner debate.

Relationships crumble like croissants,
scattering their crumbs across the ground.

But in this cafe, 
we're bound by our shared experiences.

Given how frequently we encounter these difficulties in our everyday, 
this cafe is a place where it's worth discussing the messy, unpleasant aspects of life. 

Finding comfort in knowing we're not alone.

Isn't this the cafe we’re all in? 
And the one we all crave? 

——

Written in a cafe on World Mental Health Day (yesterday). 
Apparently, it's not Mental Health Day today. 

Artwork - @ Bella McGoldrick

Artwork - @ Bella McGoldrick