The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide

Stopping for a Coffee on a Morning Walk


Bleak winter Melbourne morning, 
a cold wind coming in
from across the Bay
and blowing down the street,
past the Esplanade Cafe
with the smell of coffee
and warm air spilling out
from an open door.

I stop, look at the cake
and pastry display through
the window, the basket
of freshly baked croissants,
Danish pastries topped with
strawberries and apricots 
and glazed with syrup. 
A cloud of steam 
from the espresso machine
adds a touch of the surreal.

Anticipation moistens my mouth
on the sight of French vanilla
slices plump with custard 
and cream, muffins erupting
from their papery patties,
Portuguese tarts, thick slices
of carrot cake topped 
with icing. I savor each
with an imaginative bite
and decide my treat…
then groan. I've left my wallet 
at home.

( for Deb M )
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Rodgers Avatar
June 27, 2024 at 6:56 AM
Hello Paul, I really enjoyed reading your poem this morning as I drank my 2nd cup of coffee. I just love whenever there is a twist that I was not expecting, and yours is one of those. If I were there with you, I would have pulled out my wallet, and we would have feasted and knocked back that cup of coffee. All of a sudden, I am hungry for a croissant! - Blessings, My Friend, Daniel
Willason Avatar
June 29, 2024 at 4:53 PM
Many thanks for your generosity Daniel...would accept your kind offer and return favor. The poem lent itself to the turn at the end... Cheers my friend...
Lane Avatar
June 27, 2024 at 5:02 AM
Well, after reading this, I'm going to have to run out to the Cafe Du Monde for beignets and cafe au lait! Such a sweet tooth have we in common. And such a kind thing to do... write a poem for Deb. She's a sweetheart, too. Two Aussies having brekkie together. ;-) "Anticipation moistens my mouth..." Yeah, I would be drooling, too! Love your humor at the end. Multifaceted poets are the best kind. Hugs, Paul.
Willason Avatar
June 29, 2024 at 4:49 PM
Did you manage to score a coffee at the Cafe Du Monde....and what about the pastries. Pleasure to receive your comments Lin...you are most welcome to join us to enjoy the best made coffee in the world...take dare dear friend.
M  Avatar
June 27, 2024 at 2:36 AM
Haha l enjoyed that so much Paul….the whole poem l was right by your side….UNTIL….you forgot your wallet Ha!! Its on me my friend…..Cake and coffee?? Thankyou for taking me to the cafe this morning and writing that poem for me! Honoured my Aussie friend! Debx
M  Avatar
July 1, 2024 at 1:53 AM
I think l will join you with a vanilla slice please Paul….love them! Yummo! Debx
Willason Avatar
June 29, 2024 at 4:43 PM
So kind dear Deb....strong cappuccino with French vanilla slice please. Seriously, I noted your comment re writing a poem about a cafe....next morning this one came out almost word for word so I had to gift it to you. What cake do you want ? Cheers my friend.
M  Avatar
June 27, 2024 at 10:41 AM
Absolutely lovely Lin…..Paul takes us all on such amazing journeys….he deserves a coffee n cake or two!! X
Lane Avatar
June 27, 2024 at 5:03 AM
This was such a joy to read, Deb. I'm sure you were pleased to pay, right? ;-)
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