Holding Pattern

Delayed
an airport terminal with flashing lights
a businessman sleeping
cheap coffee in a Styrofoam cup
slipping from his grip
it lands on its base
no liquid displaced
he is lucky but doesn't know it
he is dreaming
he is dreaming of his flight out of this place

he's in a holding pattern
he's laid over
he's sick of it.

his left foot twitches
it strikes the cup of coffee gently
and for a moment it seems it will spill
but it rights itself

lucky
lucky

in accidents
collateral damage
in sacrifice
he might gain something but lose something else
he might get on his flight but the coffee will spill
and it may stain his slacks
and he may slip on it
and fall
and die

lucky
unlucky

no, our hero still sleeps
we hope he wakes up when the lights change
when his flight arrives
and he will not be startled upon waking
he will notice that he has dropped his coffee
he'll pick it up and be on his way

lucky
lucky

but for now he sleeps restlessly
hating his surroundings
wanting change but recognizing (hopefully)
that it comes when it comes
and no amount of cursing
will change it's ETA

Sitting adjacent, I reach over and move the cup
better safe than sorry
he's sleeping
he's lucky and he doesn't know it.

"You hear that?
I think that's my flight.
Farewell, sir,
and good luck."

I leave him to dream.