Moonlit Afternoons

Introduction Most of these poems were written in cafés across Southeast Asia, with a few finding their way onto trains, airplanes, airport lounges, and late-night notes. They were born from ordinary moments that quietly became memorable. Within these pages are cups of coffee in Singapore, piano melodies, waves in Danang, writing groups, parfaits in Ginza, umbrellas in the rain, and conversations that lingered longer than expected. Some poems came from lived experiences, some from observations, and others from emotions that needed a place to land. This collection follows a journey through wonder, attraction, heartbreak, resilience, and possibility. It reflects the people we meet, the places that leave an impression, the memories we carry, and the quiet ways life continues to shape us. In a fast-moving world, I hope these poems invite you to slow down for a while, sit with your thoughts, and remain open to whatever life may place in front of you. Luna Saria Table of Contents Introduction Part 1: Coffee, People and Passing Afternoons Minty Fresh Outside Look Back to Your Roots The Writing Club Waves in Danang Coffee, Whisky, and Gin Singapore is Paris Piano is Always Magical C Sharp Moonlit Afternoons Red is Wild and Mild Improv Jams Part 2: Wind and Wine and Other Sparks Wind and Wine Sapphire As Long as We are on the Same Ground Somewhere in Thailand Purple Heart Kiss and Snow Abstract and Dizzy Nest Part 3: What We Carry Silence Makes Me Weak Passing Clouds Alone Heartbreak I Will Have Tears, I Will Be Fine Underrated Umbrella Seafarer Brevity Part 4: Toward the Unknown Accepting Sakura Little by Little Old Houses Three Clocks and Courage Joy of the Belly Laugh The Parfait The Art of Being Alright Independence Self-Love Letter to the Moon Torch Acknowledgement A Gratitude Poem for My Mother About the Author Minty Fresh Outside In this modern airport café, The noise blossoms. It's a sign of the daily hustle. People gather together, Sharing miles, hurdles, and more. The iced coffee was supposed to be hot. The lady in blue definitely keeps thinking of someone. The two men speak of numbers and ventures. The group of ladies shares coffee but not ideas. My coffee and Biscoff Were an innocent combination. Around me, Are fragrances of languages and silence. In this busy life and place, The point is to land in the present. Be out there for life. Be out there to give. Be there, It's minty fresh outside. Look Back to Your Roots Where I come from is simple, You see sunny rays in every season. The things that matter Are not about trailblazers, But about everyday dreamers. The church bells ring at five in the morning, A gentle high five to keep moving. There’s a mountain in my town, Rumours say inside is a goldmine. With each day surrounded by nature, Life was ordinary, yet pure. The Writing Club Maybe you need new people when you are lost. Just strike up a conversation and let it flow. Some moments will feel awkward, Some moments will make you glow. After a while, your mind turns blank, And somehow, that silence feels good. Nature has a way of filling empty spaces. With thoughts we never understood. Writing with strangers feels strangely warm, Everyone carries stories untold. Each person arrives like a wandering page, Quiet at first, then suddenly bold. Strangers’ writings collide like sparks, Different voices, different meanings. You write a line, they answer with another, And together, it becomes beautiful sharing. A collection about paying attention to life—through cafés, travel, relationships, heartbreak, creativity, and the decision to remain open despite uncertainty. Written in cafés, on trains, in airports, and during life's in-between moments, these poems explore connection, loss, self-discovery, and the quiet wonder of possibility. From moonlit walks and piano melodies to umbrellas in the rain and lingering conversations, Moonlit Afternoons reflects on how people change, how memories stay with us, and how moving forward often comes little by little. "Nothing surprises me now, Yet somehow, surprise me now." "The umbrella was underrated." "I did not get all the answers, but I decided to stay open." Luna Saria