I have a short illustrated poem for today. The full title of the original illustration is "Coffee and Repartee." I thought it looked to be a friendly place, although none appear to be smiling! I imagine the woman server to be the one with the quick wit--and I'm sure many of her retorts are said under her breath!
I've added a poem of a present day coffee establishment experience:
Click on the image to enlarge for easier reading. © Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.
Now stop by Elizabeth Steinglass where there is sure to be poetry and repartee!
Love that vintage image, Diane. And re. your poem, some friends came into town last night and remarked that they'd stopped in a restaurant - maybe it was a coffee shop? - and counted 22 customers total, and 20 (all but themselves) were on their cell phones the entire time!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing, isn't it, to see a whole group of people and not a one talking to another (in the room)!
DeleteI love the pairing with the poem and the picture, Diane, and "reactive fingertips". That will stay with me as I observe it everywhere. It makes me sad to see parents out with strollers, pushing, pushing, but looking only at their phones. Thanks for "reacting"!
ReplyDeleteYes, the kids suffer. Especially when I think of parents missing out on modeling reading for their little ones. Without a physical book, even if they have a device that serves as an ereader, how does a toddler know mom or dad is reading?
DeleteDiane, I too have seen the rise of reactive fingers in the places I frequent. In some places it is disconcerting. Your poem speaks loud and clear of this syndrome.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe the number of people who text while walking down the street!
DeleteYou got me. I thought the poem was part of the original image! I especially love the last three lines.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to know my photo editing skills are getting that much better!
DeleteLove that illustration -- Coffee and Repartee is a great title for it, even though the customers seem so solemn, not "repartee-ing" very much at all. Love your 21st century take with the reactive fingertips.
ReplyDeleteI always like to tell people about Project Gutenberg and Open Library where you can find a treasure trove of illustrations in old books that have been digitized.
DeleteGreat mix of retro and modern. Those final lines are so sadly accurate: "Affability is an unnecessary skill on the afternoon shift."
ReplyDeleteThanks, Molly! I like to combine things so that they complement each other.
DeleteAs Molly said, it's a great blending of two styles - and that last sentence MAKES the poem!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Matt!
DeleteThe dig about affability was quite wonderful, Diane - I had an encounter with a pouty barista today. Love your artwork, too!
ReplyDeleteYou have to feel a bit sorry for a barista, they probably don't get paid enough to deal with their "entitled" customers. (Not you, of course!)
DeleteLuv a lil nutmeg in my coffee
ReplyDeletehave a great weekend Diane
much love...
I've had cinnamon in coffee, but not nutmeg. Now I'm intrigued!
DeleteAffability...the world needs more of this!
ReplyDeleteI love that word, and affable. I wrote a haiku that used "affable." I may be getting stale... (I would share the haiku with you, but I haven't been able to find it!)
DeleteA sad state of affairs. Curious whether this was observed on a weekday or weekend? I'm happy to report that Peter and I often have a coffee date on Sundays (late morning) and the place is most affable.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to hear that not all coffee shops are the same!
DeleteOh, fun! Coffee beans are so attractive. I too am struck by the use of "affability",a word that doesn't come up much any more. It's hard to be affable with your digital life in your hand, blocking your view of the world....
ReplyDeleteCoffee beans are a gorgeous rich color. Have you ever had a dark chocolate covered espresso bean? All you need is one!
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