These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Coffee Shop Moments

The welcome door, an open space,
a swirling cloud of fragrant beans.
I glide the floor to my first place
to order best within my means.

"A macchiato by my trow
with almond milk, and make it hot."
A blest momento I'll soon know
to fly away, the day forgot.

The wondrous foam, the temp so fine,
espresso beans steeped mellow rest.
It's acrid mist as the finest wine,
now soothes my soul from each daily test.

Though barely sipped, the piping foam
escorts me hence to realms apart.
The ambiance of living tome
restores me best at first cup's start.

With quiet like a library
the bookish stroll the nearest shelf,
but some, as I, the mind to free
are struck by one, lone, seated elf.

The welcome hand of twinkling lights
doth bid me come to restful glow.
I sit awhile as day meets night,
a-shedding burdens I oft know.

The waning cup as candle melts.
It bids adieu to silent stares.
My spirit helps my soul now telt,
that hope has come to lift my cares.

Return I do to order fresh
a half-caff brew to walk me home.
A tear now shed in this modern creche,
a stable mood is rare to come.

I pause within the open door
to wistful wave barrista's way.
We've done this dance so oft before,
"Goodnight, Dear Patron, 'til the day."

I sip through now two dozen steps
to build resolve for homeward trek.
How soon may I return here next
as trudging, broken, solemn wreck?

The days of life make magnet strong
this happy place of moments' bliss.
My heart will lift its silent song
of pleasant scents with peace to kiss.

Through warmth of cup, and rest for mind,
I find again my lasting truth.
He made me see, who once was blind
to rest in Him these years from youth.

No doubt the reader will recognize the allusion in verse #5
as being a reference to the tradition found on this website.
Enjoy. https://elfontheshelf.com/christmas-tradition/

Coffee & Christmas are two important respites in this writer's life.
I hope in yours as well.

by Jay O’Toole
on August 27th, 2021