Dr. Linda Karges-Bone
Photo by Jason Villanueva on Pexels.com
Every Thursday at half past three
We rendezvous for coffee, my dearest friend and me.
At the corner café where coffee brews
And our strength and joy weekly renews.
“ Coffee shop therapy “we call it and smile
But it’s a powerful tonic, there’s no denial.
For every sip offers solace and care
An antidote to life’s toil and wear.
Pumpkin latte in the Fall and a chilled frappe in the Spring
While we sit and talk for hours and more, considering everything.
Our children and our partners too; everyone gets a turn
Any sorrow, every joy, each point of concern.
The therapy is gentle, a wise and welcome tone
Understanding histories and where our paths have gone.
Deep discussion of a film, a story or a book
Collapsing into laughter after sharing just a look.
Every cup of coffee, every sip of tea
Examining the weekly trials and what we cannot see.
This time we hold as sacred. Nothing shall interfere
We need our therapy sessions, so keep the schedule clear.
Sometimes we add a muffin, a cookie, or a scone.
Sometimes we add a baby, a grandchild comes along.
Sometimes we briskly walk, our steaming cups in hand.
Therapy takes so many forms; seldom is it planned.
It never fails to satisfy, this time of pause and share.
One never feels unsettled. There’s always love to spare.
Is it the jolt of coffee or the balm of calm?
Both… perhaps we figure as we bravely carry on.
The familiar table waiting there and the same familiar face
Knowing that our friendship grows in life’s relenting pace.
Trust and laughter, a listening ear, a voice of reason too
We’re doing life together, the coffee shop and you.
Questions for Discussion
- As you listen to the poem, which friend do you imagine having coffee shop therapy with?
- Why are coffee and tea such reliable sources of solace?
- If you were to open your own corner coffee shop, what would you call it?
Dr. Linda Karges-Bone 