Steaming and Strong

I sit in the coffee shop
Back to the wall
Like a beached Marine
Against the sea
Daring all comers
Hoping to remain
In the shadows.

A new book
Opens before me
Its pages fresh
Papery pure
Creamy
Midnight ink scribing
Ancient wisdom.

It’s mysteriously
Wonderful
Transformational
How coffee strengthens
Understanding
Underlines
Truth
Heightens
Perception.

But knowledge
Is a jealous lover
Unwilling to share time
With frivolity
Distraction
Or even innocent
Conversation.

Pour it slowly.
Fill it fully.
Take it hot and black
Steaming and strong.
Savor every drop.

Take your coffee that way too.