Coffee at The Red Table

This morning’s first sip
of coffee was 
unexpectedly replaced 
by an audible slurp.

The experience 
transported me
60 years back
to my grandmother’s kitchen.

Miss Mama would have allowed 
the coffee to percolate
on the electric stovetop thereby 
releasing the inviting aroma
to waft beyond the kitchen.

Seated at the red table,
having added adequate amounts
of evaporated milk and sugar,
my grandfather would invite me
to a taste of his cooling coffee
from the spoon that inevitably 
would be an audible slurp.

In hindsight, the utensil
may have been a safety device 
to prevent a little one 
who did not swallow
from accidentally or intentionally 
ejecting back into the cup.

Today’s first thought was 
“That’s so good”
but not nearly sweet 
enough for his taste.

Next, a smile of gratitude
crossed my face for the memory,
him and his undying love for us.