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Poetry Friday-Coffee in Covid Times

Poetry Friday - 'Call The Roll' Poem

During these days of lockdown and social distancing, I have clearly missed the social interaction and conversational stimulation flowing from coffee time at my favourite coffee haunt, Il Piccolo. My morning routine involves a protracted period of writing, reading and responding in my writing space, and then round about eleven o'clock, I venture out into the day for coffee. They say that if a writer/poet is not out there, they will never be out there...


My coffee time enjoyed at Il Piccolo

When I leave home I take a book to read, my writer's notebook, a stack of pens and with my cappuccino beside me, I listen, observe, engage and then take a moment to surrender to my thoughts. I enjoy being among friends and familiarity. I generally sit at the back of the cafe in order to better observe the passing parade. It's also close to the kitchen and I get to talk to my friend, the chef. 


Quite a number of my poems have sprung to life in this place. I've always been comfortable writing in different locations. 

Well, all that's changed of late. Circumstances have required me to better acquaint myself with our home based coffee machine, and I must say our relationship is going along quite smoothly. Almost flourishing.The first thing I did was learn to operate it. Up until this time, we had been strangers. 


My 'home-made' cappuccino and sweet ravioli I made to enjoy la dolce vita.

It doesn't mean I dont miss going out for coffee, oh no. It just means I've been able to adapt. 


I found John Asgard's poem, Coffee in Heaven, nestled in one of my collected poetry books, The Everyday Poet, edited by Deborah Alma and thought it would fit aptly with the coffee theme of my post.


Coffee in Heaven

You'll be greeted
by a nice cup of coffee
when you get to heaven
and strains of angelic harmony.

But wouldn't you be devastated
if they only serve decaffeinated
while from the percolators of hell

your soul is assaulted by
Satan's fresh espresso smell?

John Asgard


Comments

  1. My hubby is in the same boat -- missing his coffee shop time, but adapting to home-brewed. I provide the sweets to help salve the sting of not being able to sit and read and sip at Stauf's or Luck Brothers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's comforting to know I am not alone in this boat adrift on the sea of Covid Mary Lee. Home made sweet treats, are definitely a salve at this time.

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  2. I have still been able to get to the coffee shop, but linger only at the door to get the drink - chai is my preference. I miss the people there, the sitting among them with my own work. Love Asgard's 'trick' to us readers, the decaf surprise. Happy writing no matter where, Alan!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As of Monday Linda, we can attend cafes in restricted number, but not all cafes are prepared to do this yet, so it will be take-away coffee only. You're right about it being a 'people' thing. Socialization is important to our collective wellbeing. Glad you enjoyed Asgard's quirky poem. I shall to continue to tap into this rich vein of writing and happy writing times to you as well.

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  3. Although I am not a coffee drinker, I do love the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. I live in avery small town, and we only have one true coffee shop. Thank you for sharing you coffee space!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The aroma of coffee is quite distinct Leigh Anne. Glad you enjoyed my coffee and writing space.

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