A Distant Cafe

At the base of Mount Rushmore
on Interstate 16,
half way back to Rapid City
is a small cafe
where the air conditioning
begs you to sit and pause
after exploring great places
and presidential faces.

Emily and I escaped
the hot July sun
with a cinnamon bun
and a few stories
about summer fun.

The ice cold root beer
quenched dried throats
as we planned the evening's
swim in a hotel pool.

A year later
I plan this summer's fun,
and though it may seem silly
when there is
so much to do,
Emily and Monica,
that distant cafe
still holds a warm welcome
for me and you.