We entered the cafeteria
unwelcomed by that smell of cow
innards stewed in ginger.
You asked — is there a
difference in the conversation
over instant coffee vis-a-vis
the kind priced astronomically
prepared in a French press
and served in pin-lighted
polished wood interiors
with tall chairs?
I’ve always thought musings
over brewed coffee are superior,
you said — they’re better, relaxed,
if not philosophical, compared to the cheap
fuzz-free sugar, coffee, cream
3-in-1, tit for tat.
As we stood to leave the table
finishing the quick in and out talk
over our cups
getting the business done in
what is called short term
give and take
I was ready to agree with you,
save for the fact that we never
had it this good
in a coffee chain or
hotel lobby which disproves
everything so far said.