Tooth

Over fresh coffee,

the man with a missing tooth

smiles at his daughter.

Lingering

autumn afternoon—

lingering over coffee

and small talk with you

October morning—

the second cup of coffee

works its black magic.

a friend’s sudden death—

even my morning coffee

gives me no pleasure

The same coffee cup

from which my father once drank

holds nothing for me.

The year’s first coffee,

poured into a paper cup,

soon loses its steam.

drinking to the dregs

my seventh cup of coffee

on the solstice watch