The Life Giving Goodness Poem by Chris Taylor

If my swollen face looks older than my age
The life-giving liquid is sure to be uncaged
My fingers will fly to the whole bean bag
And savagely rip open removing the tag

For roasted goodness will begin to tumble-down
filling my grinder…the one with the horrible sound
If you were sleeping when its power is applied
You will mumble “who the heck just died’?

A grab of the carafe and a mighty pour
While guiding its fall into the reservoir
Sometimes drenching the counter in anticipated bliss
Eye lids at half mast awaiting coffee’s kiss

With the grinder’s fresh kill and its grounds to be scooped
I’m praying my energy will soon be recouped
For I have built an aromatic mound
Now scalding water emits a gurgling sound

I stumble to chair with mug in hand
sweeping the cobwebs from dreamland
Waiting is torture with a 10 minute brew
But absolutely necessary for this day anew

Three little beeps signal ”job done”
With death grip on cup I now run
The closer I get; the sweeter the syrup
I begin to understand all the fuss in Europe

Encircled in a waft that must resemble Elysium
Sending my senses in a state of delirium
My lips find home on the ceramic rim
My internal gas gauge has hit its brim

All around me surrounded by fellow commuters
Streets filled with sour faces and road rage shooters
My day’s brighter with a warm fulfilled face
While cruising my route with style and grace

I hit work with a powerful stride
Coworkers notice my Bond-like glide
After inserting my body into my chair
Coffee is cradled with great care

Fellow workers: Here’s a rule not to be ignored
If hand is on mug, then open my door
But if mug is amiss and expression is dour
Take hand off of knob and return in an hour

Most days I’m seen with my elixir of love
It rights my ship like an olive branched dove
My routine can’t be tempted by Coke or Mountain Dew
For me it’s Mocha Java served by my local “Bou”