She folded a white linen napkin over her arm
And stalked away to find her friend
Her service is prompt and courteous
Attentive to every whim and every ask
But this afternoon with blushing cheeks
And a Cheshire grin
Eyebrows arched over squinting eyes
As she held back the laughter, boiling over
That she wanted to release with bellows
Unabashed and joyous

Her friend returned with his water pitchers
To refill and make another round
When she stopped him with a gesture to come closer
To a whisper's distance
As she muffled her words behind laughter

The couple at the table in the corner
Was the focus of her concern
There was an energy around them, she claimed
A glow as visible as golden sunlight in an azure sky
Their eyes are locked in focus on only each other
And although they are seated with their menus
Opened on the table before them,
Their meal doesn't seem to be a concern at all

She couldn't help but smile, it seemed
When she saw the smiles they had for each other
So how could she, in this moment so pure
Disturb them enough to do her job?

Again, she paused not understanding this sudden
Happiness that was washing over her
The tedium of another day of serving tables
Carrying trays, with aching muscles and a weary mind
And here in this moment, it had all washed away

She glanced around the restaurant at the tables high and low
Business men sat sipping amber drinks
Coldly appraising each others' worth
Couples sat in quiet conversation;
The events of the day, to escape their empty nests
Appreciations long since vanished from the cushioned comfort
Of a life bound by routines

A thought crossed her mind
There is no passion in routines.

Laughter from the corner table broke her thoughts
And a glance caught this unusual sight
Hands being held from across the table
And he leaned forward as a gentleman might
To place a gentle kiss on the back of her hand
Her heart picked up pace, as a bus boy
Delivered refills of water to the couple at the table in the corner
His eyes were met with smiles and instantly
The bus boy started smiling too
Smiles turned to laughter, a joke and honest play

Fun.

They were having fun.

She made a quick stride back to the table
For they certainly must be ready to order by now
And as she greeted them once more, they both smiled
Holding hands, and holding back the laughter
That bonded their moments into memories

Lost for words, and once again trying to contain her own laughter
The questions that came to mind had nothing to do with the menu

The questions rolled off of her tongue
And as if rehearsed, the couple at the table in the corner
Answered them one by one

It takes a youthful spirit to keep love alive
There is something to look forward to every day
It is a commitment not of solemn vows but of hearts
For words will fade like autumn leaves
While hearts are real
They're always real
And hearts can love, can grow, and can heal each other
Life should never be routine, for there is no passion in routines
And schedules should always leave room for something new
A moment can be an adventure, a moment can be a lifetime
And a moment can mean so much more, even to those around you
So never be stingy with smiles for each other
For everyone you touch
Because a smile can make someone's day better

And with that answer, he took her hand
And helped her stand from her seat
He gently brushed her long, white hair back and kissed her cheek
Their eyes met, as he picked up his cane
Placed his hand on her hip, and danced her away
Leaving their happiness behind for someone else's day

Those are lessons never lost
To help make cold days warmer
Like a gift that is free of cost
From the couple at the table in the corner