#coffeeandtea

#39 Coffee & Tea

Warm, a bitter brew sweetened and mellowed with sugar and cream. The taste is rich, washing away the world around you, melting the noise of the city into a pleasant and quiet hum. It begins first with the touch, your hands reach for the discolored porcelain , how many times have you used this same mug? The stains shall never wash away, but what does it matter?

This cup serves a single purpose, to sooth your jittery nerves when the world becomes just too much. The touch is the first sense, the heat radiating through the mug, warms the tips of your fingers, then your palms. It is a promise, a gentle promise that for now.. just for now, the world can just walk away. Next is the aroma. The scent. A velvet dance with your senses, sometimes it sparks a memory. Is it hazelnut? Or is it mocha today? Memories are strongly tied to scents, and as you bring the mug near, allowing the rich aroma to envelope you, you are reminded of better days. Seated by their side, what were you speaking of? Does it even matter anymore? The warm glow of days gone by fill your memory.. yes, you remember and you smile.

Taste, the taste follows all of this. Rich and bold, yet eased into a subtle blanket of cream kissed beauty. Eyes close, you hold the first sip for a time, the taste hits each portion of your tongue, each light note and contrast is noted. It is in this moment, when the warm liquid makes its way down your throat, which you can truly just escape. Just for now. The warmth not only travels to your belly, but through every portion of your soul. This is your moment, this is your reprieve.

Sight, drawing the rim of the cup away from your lips, you note the swirl the cream makes in the soft shades of brown and tan. You could become lost in these patterns. A simple swirl of your spoon, the liquid dances before your eyes and finally the last of the milky white blends. Acceptance settles as the world returns. The moment maybe gone, but for a time you held it. Your quiet little corner of the day.

Cold. A clink of ice, a chill to sooth against the heat of the day. Caramel and chocolate mixed in what must be a day old brew. Sweetened till the bitter burn is but undertones. A quick sip and you are on your way. Busy, busy, you are always so busy. The plastic cup leaves a small ring upon your desk, it is an old thing so why bother? Sip after sip, the sweetness energizes you, the chill soothes the ache of your heart and soul.. you can do this, you can make it through another day. The bitterness which lingers at the end, reminds you.. you can only sugar coat so much, but the bitter taste does not linger and this offers a reminder that all things pass. Before you know it, your treat is finished and the plastic is discarded.

Mid afternoon. A friend stops by, you set the kettle upon the stove as the pair of you speak. Another wedding to attend, another gift to be sent to an acquaintance's baby shower, another funeral to plan.. all these things are discussed. A sharp whistle catches your attention, time to fetch the kettle. Steam rises, billowing clouds that give a break for a moment in the endless chatter. Two bags, one for your friend, one for yourself. Set to steep for a minute or three. Sugar? Yes, you always take sugar. Milk? No, not today. You talk, you joke, you reminisce, and you say your farewell. You must tend to the cups and the remnants of your little meeting.. you have things to do.

The bar is quiet tonight. He didn't show. He never shows. The barkeep offers you that same, knowing half smile. It is meant to say so many things. 'I understand.'  'I am sorry.'  'It will get better' but no words are spoken. You hold up one finger, signaling your request, the usual for when you are alone. The glass is decorative, pretty as always. The mixture within, warm with a rich, intoxicating cream to sooth your frazzled nerves. The first sip is regret, the second is acceptance, the last is for you. You do not need someone who fails to keep their word. You are strong enough on your own.. you have your friends, you have your company with  the barkeep who has heard all of your sob stories.. and you have your coffee.