Iced Mint Mocha

I didn’t feel it coming

It caught me by surprise

I just wanted a cup of coffee

I faced the barista

A young man with brown skin

Our gaze met

I tried to say the words

Iced mint mocha

They wouldn’t come

My throat closed

I pointed at the sign

Saw the words

Iced mint mocha

I made a sound

A strange gurgle

Like a sick primate

Met his gaze again

He watched my

tearful eruption

Not at all surprised

that the words

Iced mint mocha

were so hard

for me to utter.

Room for cream?

I nodded, paid, tipped,

and walked away.

Quietly ugly crying

swiping my cheeks

sipping on my bitter

Iced mint mocha.