left over

the left over coffee pressed itself 

against the glass
looking so lonely 
waiting to be used.
i know they say
it is not acceptable to 
reheat coffee,
that is 
just simply 
not  the  way 
to maximize the taste 
and quality of coffee.
well,
it just so happens 
that i am not a coffee snob expert,
nor do i care to be,
and it also just so happens 
that i have a great affection 
for things thrown 
by the wayside, 
seeming of little to no use
to anyone..
so left over coffee,
i'm coming for you. 
i gently took the coffee,
by the neck of the chemex,
and brought it with me 
into the kitchen. 
I poured it into a large mug leaving 
a bit of room for 
medicine milk 
to bring it back to life. 
I then, gasp*
placed the mug in the microwave
and pressed start.
the humble coffee 
quietly thanked me 
and submitted itself to 
my hands.
[he understood the unexpected dignity 
being given 
instead of the sad walk of shame 
down the drain]
I took a small pan
and poured in 
rich, velvety white milk,
and turned on the burner 
nice and low. 
the milk filled the sides of the pan, 
exploring the new surroundings.
I think the milk was happy to
be warm for once,
i heard it bubbling in laughter and delight
as the heat tickled his feet. 
the beeping demanded my attention
alerting me to 
remove the mug from 
the microwave. 
i took him out, 
and coffee gave me the kind gift
of his last remaining scent, 
hints of stone fruit
lingering beneath my nose. 
not expected, 
but certainly welcomed..
i plopped in a spoonful [or two]
of sugar,
and coffee waited patiently,
content that he would get to 
once more
be used to bring delight and joy,
no matter how left over 
or worn out he was.
I returned to my milk,
who was now, 
having a party in the pan, 
dancing, giggling, and bubbling,
had even taken to licking the sides of the pan, 
leaving a bit of a frosty ring. 
i took my sturdy hand held blender, 
he is always alert and at attention, 
gave him a few pulses 
in the milk,
and that seemed to take milk over the edge*
it looked like they were having a pool 
party in there!
i then took the freshly frothed milk,
and respectfully poured it
into my hot coffee mug.
they befriended very quickly, 
milk and coffee,
intermingling, 
setting aside
formalities,
and welcoming depth and bonding as 
lifelong friends do. 
they both offered 
encouragement to  
each other,
understanding the importance 
of working as a team.
They surprised me 
with a lopsided, yet earnest
shaped heart
as a way to say thank you
for giving them a 
second chance.
i took my first sip.
and i could feel 
humble left over 
coffee 
hugging 
my insides...