A Moment Apart

This is an excerpt from a poem not particularly focused on the preparation of a good cup of coffee. But the lines and the gesture they describe are arresting. [Note: the word "steady" has a vocal echo in "steam" that follows. Intriguing as to how a coffee might be steadied and there is the evocation of "eddy" and stability in the swirl.]

I pour a cup of coffee, steady it
with milk, stir until it turns from
coal to caramel, the steam rising,

from "The Letters"
from Practicing to Walk Like a Heron
by Jack Ridl

And so for day 1005
13.09.2009