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Self-Observation & Tom’s Diner
A moment of self-observation through other, in a busy coffee shop setting
“No she does not really see me | she sees her own reflection.” -Suzanna Vega.
People Watching
Have you ever sat alone at a coffee shop, observing people around you? Observing without reaction is a practice. Unfortunately I don’t always practice.
I step up to the counter with no line ahead of me, greeted with silence by the stony-faced, heavily tattooed cashier. “Unsweetened iced matcha tea, please,” I say, irritated by the tip screen facing me, 20% the minimum. I sit down, watching as the line grows, empty seats around me filling.
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I brought a book with me, a rare prop. My preference is to people-watch. The coffee shop is small and as the crowd fills the space, I wander outside to a bench. Sitting outside, the hot California sun beats down on my bare back, summer beginning in late February.
I spot a tall, handsome man, wearing jeans with black leather loafers. He’s greeted by a tall, plain-looking, brown-haired girl in a baggy white t-shirt. I watch their feet as they circle each other, flirting and joking. Colleagues or a casual date —…
