Coffee Doesn’t Taste Like It Used To

First time paper cup steam on a crowded lane. Engine's yelling over me,

hands shaking more than the train. Bitter hit the back of my tongue.

Burn like staying too long. Every sip was a question mark. Every breath felt

wrong. But this coffee don't taste like it used to. Same bean,

same ground, new truth. Used to scrape my throat like a secret.

Now it sits like proof. From the burden I carry. To a sweetness

I let through. This coffee don't taste like it used to. Since I started

tasting you. Came home, corner shop, bell on the door half bent.