That Morning Coffee — Spoken Word Free Verse For Monday Morning

A double shot, just enough
that needless caffeine blunder
to get you
through the day

Plato remarked, in his shallow mind cave
that shadows hide the truth
they bury you under the weight
of expectation

Coffee does this too
if only Plato had some
not Hemlock
the poet’s boon

The Argonauts, set sail at noon
Jason ready, ready sail
and epic Homer, epic tale
Plato knew not

Modern custom
fits the same shoe
foretelling a week, full of minutes
seconds and hours

Burn bright, like he did shine
Burn bright, like Jason
Burn bright, the coffee fine
Burn bright, my liquid friend

Double yes
coffee yes
a modern boon
modern Hemlock

—

A short piece written whilst drinking my morning double espresso, leading me to reflect upon the cyclical nature of liquids which are imbued in society, either through legend or through custom. Hemlock served, and still serves, as a gentle reminder to those who ponder life to not veer too far from the course. Do not preach anything outside of the mainstream, to stick within the confines of what society deems comfortable.

Coffee, on the other hand, allows us to reach within the deepest recesses of our minds. A simple thing, an art-form honed in on after centuries of custom and geographical expanse. Now reduced to a mere 5 second shot, pulled by a barista who is probably more philosophical than the person consuming it.

Both a poison, both liberating.

Both ancient.