Hopper (July)

Edward Hopper’s bastardised ‘Nighthawks’ is ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’, there on the back wall of a Burwood café. It’s a slow night, or no night, really. The shaven barista working the hours would much rather be home with a movie, or out with his mates. The man at the window is there for warmth, not the meal. He appears to be texting someone. It’s unseasonably cold, even for July. The street is peculiarly lonely. At the other end of the counter a couple sit with their coffees. Are they talking? Just sharing the space? Thinking of a favourite Elvis, Marilyn…?