I stare into my coffee in the morning

Black, then creamy brown

Milky, like a baby’s skin

And all I see is nothing

Not the day before me or the night behind me, but nothing

I sip and taste the slight bitterness and acidity

It heats my chest

It spreads

that warm nothing

A lazy morning feeling

languid and slow

I take a longer drink and then let the liquid settle

Enjoying the peace and quiet

A song comes on breaking the silence but not ending my quiet feeling

It makes me think of people I love and home

I feel safe

Another sip of coffee

My dog rubs against my leg

I thaw

I move

I wake up

I finish my coffee and start the day