early birds and bagel bites

We went for bagels early this morning. The early bird bagel crowd is a curious breed: all beanies and babies and cups of coffee. Men in scrubs and men with scruff. The lone ones sit in quiet corners contemplating world issues and government scandals, and sip java from Styrofoam cups. The mothers huddle with their brood and are anything but quiet. They spend most of their time chasing and herding their wee ones who scatter off to introduce themselves to the shy folks in the corners. A slow smile curls up on some of their mouths, while others seem indifferent. Their eyes peer over their papers for a moment before they return to their morning ritual of reading and sipping.

We lingered at our table while Elizabeth nibbled at her banana. We chatted about everything but world issues and politics. Content sans coffee and sans paper, the conversation was as filling as my toasted sesame bagel with a strawberry schmear.