Taster's Choice

Almost every day I take coffee break at the Artful Dodger here in Regina, Saskatchewan. It has a great vibe for writing poetry.  I finally earned my free stamp card beverage. "What can I get for free?" "a  coffee or tea" "Maybe mocha or cappuccino?" "I guess" This is what they made for me. It was perfect. I was inspired enough to try a 'Rondel' which I first thought sounded like a singer from a 50's girl group. Here goes.

Taster's Choice

You can taste a soul

By the taste of their coffee

Sweet bitter strong or spicy

Dark plain skim or whole

Some are works of art in a generous bowl 

or a goodwill Styrofoam you only drink for free

You can taste a soul

By the taste of their coffee

Some share their warm maple pecan cinnamon roll

Alternative lifestyles drink healthy green tea

Opening the eyes of your heart is the key

If you want to make open friendships your goal

You can taste a soul    

I met a girl in a coffee shop.

I met a girl in a coffee shop.

Shy. Letting her sister do all the talking.

She never even remembered me.

I remembered a mass of flaming ginger hair.

She was ten years younger anyway.

The girls and a brother came to our poetry group.

Still shy. She quietly read her poems.

We all read our poems round and round the circle.

Poems are our past sins, present pain, and future hopes. 

We friends heard heartsongs some lovers never do.

The siblings and I would hang out after each poetry group.

Not so shy. She spoke up and joined the conversation.

We spoke of wars, and treks, and rings and heroes, occasionally reality.

One summer, she and I were the group, as her sister married.

Too much stigma to say 'just friends', mere acquaintances then.

A little braver. She started coming to my church, meeting my friends.

To hang out after church, I needed to give her rides home.

 Was it mom's pie, or her that made me stay so late each Sunday night?

Confident. She moved into town and the home of  'sister' from the church.

Everywhere that Esther went Mark was sure to go.

Trips to see sister and nephews were fine wine of time spent well.

We were like an old married couple, but 'never dated'.

Bold now. "Am I your girlfriend or not?"

Two days before my birthday. Best birthday yet.

No money. No career. No clue. No problem--she loves me!

Finally she said, "Here's the ring I want. Propose when you're ready."

I did. I was. We married.

Two days before my birthday. Best birthday EVER!

A carefully laid foundation makes a home that will last. 

My best friend.

I have friend that is more like a brother.

I don't talk to him as often as I should.

My wife is also good friends with him.

We met because of him.

It was at a poetry circle.

The three of us have recently set up a regular breakfast date.

He helped me from going down a dark path.

He forgives each time I fail.

When everyone else rejects me, he is there.

I used to just work for him but now he calls me 'friend'.

He helps me through the hard times like he was born for it.

Together it's us against the world and we are greater.

My belief in him is what drew us close.

His great sacrifice will keep us together.

He gave up his life.

His name is Jesus

He's my best friend, my teacher, my Lord