Just one mug

 Just one mug of Decaf coffee this morning, the kind that comes in individual packets. No side effects, I just like the taste. I believe it brings me back when I'd drink a pot of go juice, which we called coffee in the Navy, when you could scrape me off the ceiling by the end of the pot, and eventually, my doctor telling me to switch to Decaf, but I didn't listen.

I remember how I woke up to coffee brewing, the smell growing stronger with every perk of the percolator, which had a glass top so you could watch as clear water turned brown, dark brown. That first cup was nectar from God; if you didn't drink it, the rest of your day would be incomplete, and not to mention you'd better steer clear of me, as I could be violent.

As a teenager who wanted to seem older, I'd have half a cup of coffee, the other half milk, and at least ten packets of sugar. It was a sweet cup of warm sugar with a hint of coffee. As I grew older, I weaned myself off the sugar drink and went straight to coffee with two creamers and two sugars, which seemed just right until it wasn't. I found my way back to my navy days when too much caffeine found me back on the ceiling.

Now, and more likely forever, you'll find me having one mug of decaf in the morning, believing I can smell it brewing in the microwave. I'll savor every last drop and lick the spoon of my warm cup of creamy sugar, calmly wishing I were back on the ceiling.

Mike 2026                                                               

Mike 2026