Lessons Learned?

Hey, that will teach me...maybe. Post a death poem and get a collapsed lung. Sorry...couldn't even crawl to the computer to post after that one! Back from a week at Ford Hospital, ready to start radation Monday. Need to start shoveling some good karma out there. Here's something a little cheerier than last time. Yeah more poetry.

HOW TO BREW THE REALLY PERFECT CUP OF COFFEE

Pick a rich October morning and be the only waking soul about.

Wake to no alarm but the wind swishing drying maple leaves across a dying lawn.

Walk softly, slipper footed, to the kitchen and fill the glass kettle with water to just below "Made in USA."

Fire the burner; a full and rolling boil will take time.

The morning paper is jammed between the front door and the screen.

Carry it to the kitchen table scanning the front page for names you know.

Check the water.

Find the filters.

There is, in amongst the silverware, a plastic spoon,
the last remaining member of an ancient picnic set.

It gives the perfect measure.

Scoop the same number of scoops you always scoop and study each for fullness.

Always add half a scoop knowing you miscounted.

The water boils.

Pour the water full and steady over sweetly musky grounds
watch for overflow.

Settle on a kitchen stool, see the transformation;
the near black mud reduced to a slim stream of oaken brown.

The brew collects.
Just before the dripping stops, disconnect the funnel top and pour a cup.

Sit looking out a window,
seeing patterns in the blowing leaves and the sky,
seeking omens for this day.

Refill your cup and fill a different cup; carry them both upstairs
and kiss your wife awake.