Alone is the first glimmerings of a cold day in Washington D.C., circa 1994, after I've been up all night. Alone is walking down M Street while the city begins to stir, and waiting for sudden inspiration.
Coffee by yourself can be alone, but only if you have to buy a newspaper for something to do while you drink. (people who read newspapers look more inconspicuous).
Maybe alone is more a state of conspicuous self awareness, such that the rest of the world begins to dim while I begin to shine supernova bright.