Quiet Spaces With an Easy Listening Playlist

On a lazy Sunday afternoon

A quiet cafe. Photo and edit by Mark Tulin

I seek the still spaces
without the din of human voices,
where I can write freely
without babies crying
or teenagers talking on cell phones.

Like out-of-the-way coffee houses
with a fresh pastry selection,
an easy-listening playlist
and good customer service,

without stragglers or bad characters,
a place compatible with harmony,
fresh air through open windows,
on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Give me a warm caffeinated beverage,
a no-talking zone,
no drama beyond this point —
quiet as a library without schoolchildren.

Only the soft sounds of smooth jazz,
a place to hear a calming vibe,
musical notes floating above my head,
fingers gently crossing over keys.

No blare of the big-screen TV,
no commercials selling unwanted items,
and traffic’s flashing red lights
or parades going by.