We liked our java strong, Turkish strong, spoon-standing-up-in-the mug strong. It was our driver through Paris and Sicily and through the long hitchhike to Tunis. We’d stand at the bar, two-fisted gunslingers, cappuccino in one hand, espresso in the other. It kept our blood from freezing the night we crept onto the deck of an Italian Navy ship, buoyed by the laughter of gelato-eating sailors. Coffee was our guru, our genie, witness to our every move as we swapped stories with hostel guests and flitted about the world, oblivious to exam bluebooks and the political fires that raged at home. I still like it strong, whisked with coconut milk, drunk standing at the kitchen counter.
Sandra Anfang is a poet and artist who also writes microfiction. Her work has appeared in numerous journals and anthologies. Her books include Looking Glass Heart, Road Worrier, Xylem Highway, Finishing School, and Rara Avis. Learn more at sandeanfangart.com/poetry
Photo Credit: by Igor Sporynin on Unsplash
