i brewed a carafe of coffee

french pressed

and piping hot

–

i kept the top removed from the kettle

then turned the corresponding dial

on the electric stove

–

i leaned upon the venting unit

and stared as the element changed

–

the sooty slate-like coloring erupted

emerging from faded ruby to

an angry maraschino

–

i stared

unyielding

into that pot

listened as the metal strained

as the water burbled and popped

agitated and disturbed

by the vehement calefaction

–

i let the steam rise to my flesh

observed the bubbles frenetically emerging

–

dropping the grounds into the press

retrieving the kettle from the stove

evenly applying the scalding fluid

as a small almond head appeared atop

then set aside to bloom

finally

stirring and preparing to steep

–

i poured the brew into the stainless mug

bending my neck to breathe in the breakfast blend melange of

citrus and brown sugar

–

i sipped

then gulped

then pounded back

poured another

–

kept at it til it hurt

felt pain in my chest

heart beating fast and hard

mind turning frantic

paranoia digging in sharp talons

dissolving my gut in acid

–

i didn’t feel tired the rest of the day

didn’t sleep that night

–

i made a new pot that next morning