The barista is complimenting the man’s
reusable cup. She explains how she enjoys
the contrast of the baby blue background
with the Easter-yellow bumble bees
swooping gently on soft-edged sunflowers.
I know it’s a bit girly, he says
through grey stubble on wrinkled skin.
It represents my football team, The Bees.
She secures the lid and says, They sound cool.
They’re fucking wicked, he replies. 

© Carl Burkitt 2023