Sanctuary

Steam rolls
across my eyes,
kissing away the echos
of too much seen.
Flavor, strong and smooth,
warms my tongue,
dismissing the bitterness
of the past 30 years,
quieting the cravings
for sweeter things.
Robust, rich, soothing…
I like my coffee very strong,
perhaps subtly sweet;
hot enough to warm me
but gently so.
I could fall into
this mysterious pool
of dark umber-sienna,
and be swept off in its
deep flowing promise.
The world beyond
the cup at my lips,
warming these hands
that embrace it,
can simply wash on past.