Still Life

First thing, I get out the pot,
measure out the water,

spoon coffee into the filter,
plug the whole thing in,

after that, let heat do its thing.
The caffeine's not

half as strong as it's been in the past,
nonetheless, it's magic:

aromatic steam is released
as the first drops drip.

I’m glad I'm here,
alone, sitting still in my chair.

I pour a full cup of coffee,
take the first hot sip,

feel my mind beginning to clear:
the first of this day’s expectations.