Darling Coffee, by Meena Alexander

Darling Coffee, by Meena Alexander 1951-2018

The periodic pleasure of small happenings is upon us-

Behind the stalls at the farmer’s market,

upon the waves glinting on the ocean,

A cardinal with its chest puffed out,

Bloodshod above the piles of awnings,

Passion’s proclivities;

You picking up a sweet potato

Turning to me. “This too?”

Query of tenderness under the blown red wing.

Remember the brazen world?

Let’s find a room with a window onto elms strung with sunlight,

A cafe with polished cups,

Darling coffee they call it,

May our bed be stoked with fresh cut rosemary and glinting thyme,

all herbs in dues season

tucked under the wild sheet;

Fit for the conjugation of joy.