I stir the cup of coffee at hand,
its green beans browned then steeped
in water boiled until its heat released
the scent and taste of Nature’s plan
enacted on hillsides in far-away lands.
How many hands labored unfavored
to tend the plants grown to full height?
How many hands delivered my day from dark night?
I sip and I savor their tender labor’s delight.
With a wink and a nod I applaud such dear friends
I shall never meet except through the comfort they send
in each sip, and the warmth of the cup in my hands.
I raise up my cup and salute with this love letter
those who make mornings so much better.
annarino writes 