Laptops and folders
litter this makeshift office
of chic and hip
at the caffeine catalyst café.
The Guatemalan roast
wafts through the air,
while java toasts to another
consummated deal.
Lovers in bloom
embrace their spring.
Seedlings and perennials alike
celebrate this newness;
The exuberance
of heartfelt barter
becomes the elixir
that fills their goblets to the brim.
Diverging souls engaged in
gut wrenching exchange,
that
neither wants to have.
Their losing hands on the table
acquiesce to rivers of tears,
converging on,
java junctures.
Copyright © Henri Ferguson 2003
Author notes
As I stop into my fave Java joint to pick up my daily chai, I am always amazed at the many little dramas unfolding in this laid back atmosphere. It seems that coffee houses are the place of choice for all kinds of meetings. Business folks use them, new lovers, and perhaps secret lovers and then, those going through love’s fire exit looking for a neutral place to have “that conversation” that will hopefully put closure on their latest chapter. A few days ago as I stood in line waiting for my,grande/no water/ soy chai, I spotted “a moment” unfolding; an older man weeping, his hands cradled by a younger woman. No idea what the script was about so was left to draw my own conclusions. This poem was spawned by that java juncture.
Written May 19th, 2003
In a list
What did you think
Comments
1 - 15 of 15
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I love your take on the coffee shop. I often grab a coffee and people watch, because we are intriguing. Your author notes sum it up well and your poem was a joy to read.
Thanks for the link...
Sue
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i appreciate your author comments
am always interested to learn how others are inspired
we all have "our place" where we put on our voyeur shades
and imagine entire life stories based on brief moments unfolding.
your works are of the variety that one must savour. not a tepid glass of water, but rather a cool draft to be lingered over. i will most definitely be back to read more. -
Calming
It kind of reminded me a bit of Joni Mitchell - come to think of it, she does that observation thing also. There's a kind of Joni-ish quiet serenity here which contrasts nicely with the coffee shop and with modern city life in general. -
javva good
amazing how many episodes take place in the coffee house today
I enjoyed it!!
will be back for more
I sense a newness in the air, kinda like spring fever here... -
could wait till i reached the bottom of this cup...
very creative and enjoyed seeing through your eyes on this
almost like.. now only losing themselves in coffee but in reading as well... the journeys we are taken on - be it real life or in a novel..
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A mini vignette of your morning. Coffee houses must be the same everywhere. As I see the same thing..in the Starbucks at Barnes and Nobles here. You describe so meticulously the small dramas, lovers interludes, and business meetings that make up this life. What better place to meet..than the coffee house? You can have a modicum of privacy, yet not feel isolated. And what better place for a poet..and lyricist, to stop a moment..and people watch. Thanks, Henri, for this little glimpse into your life.
Maddie -
great title for this piece, Ferg...
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Henri, the first stanza is great...it is my favourite...you set the tone for the rest of the poem...I enjoyed reading. Thank you, Maria
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I don't know how you could improve this, Henri. I love poems that take me somewhere I haven't been (believe it or not, I have never been to a coffee house). Thanks for sharing! I enjoyed the atmosphere!
Maureen
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Hi Victoria, Thanks for that I do appreciate your ideas. I picked "barter" because I wanted to imply more of a meaningful exchange, while banter would have implied something perhaps more whimsical. I was going for the deep! I love feedback like this because it demonstrates genuine insightful interest that I look forward to learning new perspectives from. Thank you for that.
Henri
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A true poet watches the world around him/her and tells the story ... you've certainly delivered an emotionally charged work Henri. Your word selection carries this piece to a deeper level, in my opinion. Inspiring, maybe I should get out more and see what stories unfold around me. Great work! ~ Much Respect, Brian
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excellent as always
I identify so much with being that "fly on the wall" at the local java joint, and the powerful aroma of the roasters and grinders....the glances exchanged, the politics, so many many microscenarios within the total picture...Great. I now want coffee late at night because of you, More specifically organic Guatemalan, and my local java joint is closed. hahah thanks Henri for this captivating and enjoyable scenario full of scenes within scenes!
rhi
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excellent
The exuberance
of heartfelt barter
should that be banter? I read it that way...another gem henri, whats with all the coffee scents in the air right now lol...growing to love seeing a new poem up from you...
thank you for this poem
Victoria xxXxx -
The first stanza really sets the scene - I could almost smell the roasted java beans.... people watching has always been one of my favorite past times - human interaction is fascinating stuff... although you can only guess at the couple's conversation, you presented the relationship very well... another enjoyable read, Henri, as always. Thanks for sharing - Helen
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Oh... this is so heart felt. Beautifuly concieved... I am currently working on a piece about a conversation I was witness to in a coffee house. Funny where our inspirations come from, isn't it? Great job on this one.
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