To the other woman alone in the restaurant

Originally written May 17, 2026

I took myself to lunch,

Enjoyed my own company

At a table all alone.

I ordered what I wanted,

Without hesitation or worry

Of what others might say.

Other women have told me

They prefer to never eat alone

Because it feels awkward and lonely.

I enjoyed the conversation

With the waitstaff, new friends,

Who took such good care of me.

I paused from my meal to look up,

and saw another women

At a table of her own.

Like me, she dressed herself up real pretty,

Ordered what she wanted,

And smiled in her own company.

Looking divinely content,

I could not interrupt her serenity,

Yet there is something I wanted to say:

To the other woman alone in the restaurant:

Your presence is lovely,

And I hope your joy never fades away.