Duane Locke in Wandering Hermit Review

 

Al Fresco Café Poems #18

from Wandering Hermit #1The old, retired professor
In the retirement home said,
"You don't have a theme in your coffee."

"There are themes in the tiny containers
On the table,
A variety of themes,
And all the themes are traditional
Or their stimulations,
So all themes are recognizable."

I replied that when I drink coffee,
I drink my coffee black.

"No theme," the old professor said,
"How do you find companionship,
Or readers."

I told him that I did not have
Any social life or readers.

The old professor looked over at my cup,
And angrily sneered,
"Your cup is empty."
You not only do not have any theme in your coffee,
But you do not
Have any coffee.
You are drinking from an empty cup."


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