Fox Hunt / Java Junkie
How will I know that I've made it?
In the same sense that in a fox hunt there is an alarm bell telling the fox to run
but no ending siren telling the fox they can stop running
There will likely be no clear sign that I've made it
But in my mind, I like to think at least, the definition of "made it", the safe zone
Is a coffee shop
To run, you might think, is synonymous with coffee
Something to warm the bones and light the fuse
To start the engines and zoom off
If you're in the drive thru, sure!
But to walk inside
Wait in line
Wait in line
Step forward
Wait in line
Wait in line
Ponder your order
Wait in line
Raspberry scone?
Wait in line
Wait in line
Glazed donut
Jelly donut
Cinnamon roll
Wait in line
Blueberry muffin..
Step to counter
"A medium hot coffee with two creams and a pump of caramel, with a blueberry muffin."
Step aside to let them order as well
"Strawberry refresher with a cinnamon roll,
thank you"
Fumble in your pocket for the bills
Coins, lint
Gum
Dollar bills
Count them up
(11, 12, 13)
Hand them to the employee
"Keep the change"
Take your receipt
Walk over to the table by the window with them
Don't dart your head around at the other diners and drinkers
Don't try to search for the hunters
Don't stare at passing cars like another fox in the road
Sit down.
Look at them.
Look into their eyes.
Lose yourself in them, even
"Order 64 ready for pickup"
When you get the coffee, though you may be tempted to drink it in a rush
To treat it as the slick black diesel it was made to be
You can take slow sips.
You can talk to them, even if it means the coffee gets cold.
You can adjust in your seat, away from the position that's quickest to get up from
Instead into the position that lets your bones settle
To know that you are here now, in this moment
In this coffee shop with your blueberry muffin
In this chair with your view
Not tactical, not even advantageous
Just a pretty sight
The fox can rest
And that is how I'll know I've made it
In the coffee shop