some fondle lovingly
while others hold out for reciprocation
others to be warmed hold close
what others hold with suspicion
some ignore their recent purchase
while for others it is Buddha round
others see a domed chalice
while others gaze into styrofoam
some practice idolatry
while others begrudge their allegiance
others like a fashion accessory
others at a distance like medical waste
some are jealous of neighbors' contentment
while others exchange private glances
others gesture with them but do not drink
for others every last drop calls for undivided attention
some are Classics professor sippers
others are serial killer gulpers
others see volutes for curators
or iron-loop handles for steely-eyed public defenders
some dote
while others neglect
others hold at a safe distance
what is for others Northern Star
some fear theft
of what others would promiscuously share
others it vaguely distracts
others ponder how it changed them
some fill with four shots
what others decant with decaf
others prize fair trade
others relish deliveries by nubile handmaids
for the young it is overflowing
and for the old too but with irony
and for the ones who carry yesterdays
or who walk beside the ones who pretend it is tomorrow
and for the ones who cling to the nearly empty
because it helps them to remember the missing --
this is for the ones who drink it black
carry no sugar to blunt bitter carrier knowledge
18 Nov 2011