~Dear barista~

I tasted the holidays today

in a cup of cinnamon hazelnut coffee

you asked if

I wanted it hot

I said yes, it was cold enough

and you laughed

turning away

in a red blur

the first sip

made me smile

unexpectedly

this was what I was missing

and needed

to remember

and melt the cold

the cinnamon

was heavy and sweet

on my tongue

bitter

with a hint

of joy

with hot hazelnut

milk

lingering

like a smile

you forgot

you had

and I smiled again

you drew

a reindeer

in white foam

made me light

for a moment

like a child again

it’s these things

you remember

these little gestures

anywhere

there you are

now and then

I can see the truth

above the lines

trying to hold on

trying to amaze

so you don’t

miss the warmth

of the candle

trying to amaze

its beautiful

when you talk

even though

you are only repeating what you know

but if you listen

you may learn something new

I need to believe again

I need air

were all primary colors

at heart

beating

along the way

~Sarah Mahina Calvello~