PHOTO

A cafe in Lemberg, 1904. One man

Sits there reading, I think, a newspaper

In an expanse of empty chairs and tables.

He looks at home; the chandelier and pillars

Don't impress him. The glass shelves 

Meant to hold cake are empty; perhaps

This is the owner or the owner's son, posing 

Before the cafe opens. In the street outside 

My grandfather, just turned twenty,

May be throwing a just-seen shadow, planning 

To stop later and drink coffee, acting as if

He isn't aware of unborn grandchildren

Trying to catch a glimpse of him