I came by Mini Cooper,
picked my spot
amongst the Jags,
locked my doors
& dropped onto
a sidewalk seat
to catch myself
a cup of hot java.

The smell reminded
me of the early mornings
in Helmand province
& it dawned on me
how much sweeter
this cup tasted.

I did not waste
a single drop,
I even licked
the porcelain-rim,
thanking God
for this precious
mug of Joe.