a letter to an old friend

Dear Coffee,

Hey old friend. I’ve missed you. I’m hoping we can get together soon because I really miss having you around. Life just hasn’t been the same. I thought with you gone for a while, I’d sleep a little easier. But wouldn’t you know it, I’m up all night now? I wake up even later than usual for work and that’s no good. I’m not even eating like I used to. What’s up with that, right? I think I’m slightly more irritable and/or cynical too… I’m not sure.

Anyway, I just want you to know that my resisting you is nothing personal. I think my body just needs to be flushed, so for a week it was nothing but water. Trust me, as much as I love water, it’s got nothing on you with your perks and flavors. But seriously, without water, there wouldn’t be you either, so no hating.

I will admit, however, that I’ve been drinking a lot more tea than usual. Again, don’t be alarmed, it’s not a replacement. My throat has been yucky lately. Let’s face it, you can’t really help a sore or sickly throat. As my mom loves to say, tea has antioxidants. You? Not so much. It’s not your fault. You were grown and roasted that way. Maybe your leaves have healing powers? Well, I think we would’ve discovered that by now. Instead we just utilize your tasty beans. Which I recently found out were edible and taste good chocolate covered. A little gritty for my taste, though.

Anyway, I just don’t want you to be mad that I haven’t seen you in a while. I do miss you. Iced or hot. And of course you know it never mattered what time of day. But I think when we do meet again, I’ll actually get those rushes like I used to. And then when I’m at my job, I’ll speed through work like I’m so used to doing. I’d be doing that now… but here I am, writing you this letter.

I’ll be back soon. I promise.

~t. sterling