An Eighth Shot of Espresso: Coffee and Creativity on Mum's Third Shift

soothe the savage heart  remind them of a calm river  at the end of a storm  rolling water with angry rapids  eventually calm down  but it is still moving the energy is still there just under the surface it has not disappeared on the contrary it fuels it forward pushes it into tributaries makes it overflow its banks pushing fertile silt so plants can grow it races to the bay then to the ocean to join more powerful tides and bring change to the rest of the world  

The thrum of an engine  well-tuned to specs  it purrs like a kitten it rumbles like soft thunder it feels like a smooth whiskey  poured at the bar  in a jazz club  barely noticeable in the moment  but at that first vibration  or that first sip from the glass or at the first rev of the pedal  a warm comforting feeling your soul says "There it is."

Ragged and broken eggshell edges tossed into the compost heap  it protected  a fragile yellow yolk even as thin and fragile as it is that makes it easily crushed its usefulness ended time breaks it down into elements but in death  springs new life  so in the long run they were not  that useless  after all

A writer like me  scribbling words  words and words  for others to read  digest and analyze  An artist like me  paint on canvas  pen on the screen  for others to see  judge and criticize  A musician like me strum softly on strings or warble a beloved tune for others to hear and enjoy sing and dance That is who I see  deep within the depths  of the electronic sea  I smile when I view  their creative works

 CODICIL:  Added at the end of a straightforward message, there comes note to the solicitor: "At the end of the day  I could reveal  all sorts of secrets  written in my will  but that would double  the size of the document  so come with me  on a trip down memory lane   use the map enclosed  and the clues within  to unlock these truths  for yourself." Would it be riches? Scintillating gossip? Even if you gain nothing, it would be an adventure.

Heavy is the head  that wears the crown  at least that is how the saying goes a literal circlet or a metaphorical  headpiece on your brow A weight on your soul a burden on your neck it is a beautiful chain  that binds your soul  and you can never  find peace in your life  for you must always  be alert for those  who would take it.

Dunkin Donuts holiday specials all prepared  so early  in the morning covered with sprinkles grab a couple with a cup of coffee for the morning commute into work Krispy Kreme  watch as they  make them by hand  travel down the conveyor belt stacked into boxes some drizzled with  glaze or covered with sprinkles  take a dozen home  still warm from the fryer