Caffeinated September Nights Chi-Town Frappe-Delights

they're out there. here. all around me.
fellow students and truth seekers burning with a
desire to realize their dreams,
to shape the imaginations of those who pause and ponder
the inspired
painters, poets and photographers
musicians, singer-songwriters,
cool hip kitty kats setting trends through self expression
thriving amongst their own kind

the air is super saturated, dense with creative energy
what are their stories?
what drives them?
do they believe?
in what?
in whom?
themselves?
why are we all here....sipping
lattes and exotic teas, smoking cigarettes
late into a mid September chi-town night
sober
safe
awake and aware

a subtle glow emmanating from macintosh apple’s light
illuminating, revealing the intensity of inquisitive eyes
pensive artists pondering myriad theories
thoughts and directions
origins of logic and reason
parents long lost as a means of protection
from the cruel, cold world,
humanity at it’s finest hour
overheard stories of deceit, redemption and corruption
of conquerors and superpowers
discussions of political subjugation
underlie the din and smoke
an imperceptible ebb and flow

as fragments form from pieces of mind
a sanctuary for sociable displays of humankind
worries of war, and terror subside yet never cease
radicals too blind to embrace democracy and peace

and I sip my three dollar latte whilst pondering
solemn demonstrations of independence
a vision of secular life
united in a democratic state.