Coffee House Invite Notes - Sally Eslinger's Blog

Coffee House Invite Notes

In our comments to one another, I’ll read words like, “Thanks  for your time to come read and comment.”  When I followed in such a warm way of replying to comments here on Poetry Soup, I’ve always been reminded, in an imagist way, of our college coffee houses of the 1970’s, where students and local folk-singing alumni would come on week-end nights.  There were also poets occasionally reading their new works.
    The atmosphere in the coffee house I went to,  was warm and inclusive.  The coffee was fresh, rich.  The lighting was dim, from golden, glowing, lantern bulbs spaced along the walls, and candles on a baker’s dozen tables.  Freshmen were quickly brought into the fold, able to find a feeling of home away from home.
    Here on Poetry Soup, when I write in my comments, “Thanks for COMING BY to read and comment,” I carry with the words the pleasant memory (made present tense) of  inviting the reader into my own coffee house, where warmth and friendship are felt even if opinions differ or comments are constructively critical.
    It is with my inviting “coffee house page” of poetry in mind…and the true warmth of the friendships I’ve made here over the past 15 months, that I say again, Thank you for coming by to share.  I wish you the joys of these HOLY-days, with safety, good health, people of love, and your growing spirit.  May trees and stars embrace you with their songs!  May inspiration fill your hours!  Hugs, my poet friends.  Your hearts are precious.
sally