Happy Barista Day — Encounters

In celebration of all the hard-working, underappreciated, wonderful baristas, that set the tone for our mornings — Happy Barista Day!

Encounters

I

“Good morning! What can I get started for you?”
“Americano, Grande, thank you.”
“Did you see the meteor shower last night?”
“No, totally missed it.”
“It was like the sky kicked over a bucket of stars.”
“Really, wow.”
“Yeah, it was like city lights, far off, then suddenly,
right at your eyes, a lightening of fireflies.”
“Amazing, sorry I missed it.”
“And don’t let them tell you there isn’t accompaniment,”
“What?”
“it was like listening to a drove of xylophones.”
“Crazy — triple shot please.”
“It was like I couldn’t inhabit the moment fully enough.”
“That’s big.”
“It was like seeing my ex-boyfriend flung out into the nebula,”
“Room for cream, please.”
“… while hearing news that his new girlfriend fell through a grate,”
“Debit — thanks.”
“and I’m like, oh, so this is why we have senses. Right?”
“I guess.”
“They say there’ll be another one tonight.”
“I’ll be sure check it out.”
“Oh, you must, it’s like a lesson in how to walk three feet off the ground.”
“That’s some lesson.”
“It’s like having all your beliefs melt into mysteries.”
“Interesting.”
“Isn’t it? You have an excellent day now!”

II

“Good morning dear.”
“Americano, Grande, please.”
Did you see the stars just before dawn?”
“No I didn’t.”
“Oh they were brilliant, you could have plucked them like strings.”
“Really, I’ll need to step outside earlier.”
“Oh yes do, you’ll hear the music of spheres.”
“Remarkable.”
“The original music that launched all language.
“Extra shot please.”
“Exactly.”
“I’m sorry?”
“I’ve not seen them like that before, brilliant, as to be prescient.
Do you understand?”
“Maybe? — debit, please.”
“Even now I see them. Almost wish them out of my head,
but for the radiance.”
“I’m sure the memory will let up.”
“I feel them watching under the cover of daylight.”
“What?”
“Like angels — receipt?”
“No thank you.”
“Right you are, no use being encumbered.”
“I’m sorry?”
“Your drink will be waiting for you at the end of the bar —
don’t read the couplet beneath the cup until you’re finished the coffee.”
“I’m not sure…”
“You’ll be fine, remember, everything finite reveals the infinite.”
“…I follow.”
“Simply follow detachment, the sister of fearlessness,
the child of love, the way of peace, and you’re free, my dear.”