FeBREWary 2024

Over the years we've posted over 300 of
Emmett Lee Dickinson's poems about coffee!  

This year we're going to re-visit all of the poems
and then post not our "Top Ten" list --
and not even our "Top Twenty."  

B U T . . .  
We're going to post our "Top Twenty-Nine" Poems
(Not Twenty-Eight because 2024 is a Leap Year!)
Join us throughout the month for "Bean Ther, Drank That," the twenty-nine best coffee poems by Emmett Lee Dickinson (Emily Dickinson's third cousin, twice removed -- at her request!
Dearest Reader:  If you enjoy my work and would like to buy me a cup of coffee --
​Venmo me a buck or two:  @JamesAsher

"This stuff doesn't write itself -- LOL!"
FeBREWary 29
​One of our favorites from 2017:
By Emmett Lee Dickinson:
 
When I have ceased to care
My Cup is gotten
From which it gives Rebirth
And grants me Heaven
And so increased my worth
‘Tis intensity now
To work upon –
​By Emily Dickinson:
 
When we have ceased to care
The Gift is given
For which we gave the Earth
And mortgaged Heaven
But so declined in worth
‘Tis ignominy now
To look upon –
BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT:

Another favorite local coffee shop is Marie Bette.

Not only do they have great coffee, but they have delicious French pastries.  One of my favorites is the French canelé -- although in the pic at the right, my "to go" coffee is shown with an apple galette.

In addition to the treats, they also have great quiches to pick-up for dinner!
FeBREWary 28
​One of our favorites from 2015:
By Emmett Lee Dickinson:
 
Morning that comes but once,
Consider drinking twice –
Two Joes upon a single Morn,
Makes Life a paradise.
BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT:

Another favorite local hangout of ours is Greenberry's.  One of my favorite drinks is the Mocha Java Shake, pictured above -- and I LOVE their butterscotch chip "lumpy scone."
By Emily Dickinson:
 
Morning that comes but once,
Considers coming twice --
Two Dawns upon a single Morn,
Make Life a sudden price.
​
FeBREWary 27
​One of our favorites from 2015:
By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

Angels, in the early morning
May be sensed the cups among,
Dripping – perking – steaming –
     brewing –
Does the joe to them belong ?

Angels, when the pot is hottest
May be sensed the mugs among,
Dripping – perking – steaming –
​     brewing – 
Boost commuters they bear along.
BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT:

When we visited Billings, MT, we stayed in the (very wonderful) Northern Hotel, and one of their restaurants was a (very wonderful) diner called "Bernie's" -- where we enjoyed some (very wonderful) coffee and treats!
By Emily Dickinson:

Angels, in the early morning
May be seen the dews among,
Stooping – plucking – smiling –
     flying –
Do the buds to them belong ?
 
Angels, when the sun is hottest
May be seen the sands among,
Stooping – plucking – sighing –
​     flying –
Parched the flowers they bear along.
FeBREWary 26
​One of our favorites from 2022:
By Emmett Lee Dickinson:
 
The Day that I was roused
Was like the other Days –
Until the Percolation came –
And then – ‘twas Otherwise –
 
As Coffee in the Pot
And Coffee in the Cup
Are One – and yet the former
Provides a Refill cup –
 
I rose, and all was plain –
But then the Day increased
Myself and it, now Energized
Were equally -- released –
 
The Joe that I – gulped down –
To Me – surpassed the Need
That is the Fitness for my Life –
‘Tis power now ‘tis Mine –
BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT:
By Emily Dickinson:
 
The Day that I was crowned
Was like the other Days –
Until the Coronation came –
And then – 'twas Otherwise –
 
As Carbon in the Coal
And Carbon in the Gem
Are One – and yet the former
Were dull for Diadem –
 
I rose, and all was plain –
But when the Day declined
Myself and It, in Majesty
Were equally – adorned –
 
The Grace that I – was chose –
To Me – surpassed the Crown
That was the Witness for the Grace –
'Twas even that 'twas Mine –
​
We stayed a couple of nights in Wall, South Dakota, when we visited the Badlands -- and we LOVED the Badlands.  If you ever get a chance, go there -- VERY COOL!

And if you end up in Wall, stop by the Stompin' Grounds Coffee Shop.  It's a small place -- basically a "drive thru,"  but there are a couple of picnic tables outside if the weather is nice!  

Good coffee and delicious treats too!
FeBREWary 25
​One of our favorites from 2014:
By Emmett Lee Dickinson:
 
Decaf is all we dread
There’s a Silence in that Choice –
For Decaf is Invariably
A speech without a Voice
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 
By Emily Dickinson:

Silence is all we dread
There’s a Ransom in a Voice –
But Silence is Infinity
Himself have not a face
In Bismarck, North Dakota, not only did we enjoy some great coffee at the Brick Oven Bakery -- but we also loved the delicious treats!  

FeBREWary 24
​One of our favorites from 2016:

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:
 
A Coffee – is a small Domain,
Yet able to wake up
A Citizen of Paradise
In its replenished Cup –
 
A Taste – reawakens the Breath –
Much quicker than the Sun –
And all the Pots He percolates –
Will Land Him on the run
 
To Him who counts on morning Joes
Consumed in Whole or part
Will surely rise with Relief –
A Testament – a Start –
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

When we visit Richmond, we love to stop in the Crossroads Coffee Shop -- not only for the great coffee (and staff!) but also for the ice cream!
By Emily Dickinson:
 
A Coffin – is a small Domain,
Yet able to contain
A Citizen of Paradise
In its diminished Plane --
 
A Grave -- is a restricted Breadth --
Yet ampler than the Sun –
And all the Seas He populates --
And Lands He looks upon

To Him who on its small Repose
Bestows a single Friend –
Circumference without Relief –
Or Estimate – or End –

FeBREWary 23
​One of our favorites from 2016:

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:
 
If I shudder to rise
When the Mornings come
Give me joe in one Tall Mug
Even though I'm still numb.
 
If I cannot thank you
Being half asleep
You will know I’m trying
With my Trembling lip!
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

In New Orleans, we didn't go to Cafe Du Monde -- the line was always too long -- but we did make it to Cafe Beignet -- and yes, the coffee was okay -- but the chocolate beignets were DELICIOUS!
By Emily Dickinson:
 
If I shouldn't be alive
When the Robins come,
Give the one in Red Cravat
A Memorial crumb.
 
If I couldn't thank you,
Being fast asleep,
You will know I'm trying
With my Granite lip!
​

FeBREWary 22
​One of our favorites from 2018:

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:
 
On such a morn, or such a morn,
When all the sky is red
When such a little figure
Slipped quiet from its bed –
 
So quiet – Oh how quiet,
That nobody might know
But that the little figure
Ran swiftly – for a joe –
 
On such a dawn, or such a dawn –
When soft the sun rose high
That such a little figure
Too sound asleep did lie
 
For All it takes to wake it –
A stirring house below –
A coffee pot in Kitchen –
An early task to brew!
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

Whenever we visit Balitmore, we always hit the Daily Grind Coffee Shop in the historic Fell's Point area.  Great coffee -- and delicious treats!
By Emily Dickinson:
 
On such a night, or such a night,
Would anybody care
If such a little figure
Slipped quiet from its chair –

So quiet – Oh how quiet,
That nobody might know
But that the little figure
Rocked softer – to and fro –

On such a dawn, or such a dawn –
Would anybody sigh
That such a little figure
Too sound asleep did lie

For Chanticleer to wake it –
Or stirring house below –
Or giddy bird in orchard –
Or early task to do? 

FeBREWary 21
​One of our favorites from 2017:

​By Emmett Lee Dickinson:
 
A long – long Sleep – An intense –
​     Sleep –
That makes no love for Morn –
With Stretch of Limb – and heavy Lid –
An inattentive Me –
 
Thus idleness is like This!
Until I Drink my Joe
To bask the Wooziness away –
And then get up – and Go!
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

Another favorite haunt in Charlottesville is the Mudhouse, on the city's Downtown (Pedestrian) Mall.
By Emily Dickinson:

A long – long Sleep – A famous –
​     Sleep –
That makes no show for Morn –
By Stretch of Limb – or stir of Lid –
An independent One –
 
Was ever idleness like This?
Upon a Bank of Stone
To bask the Centuries away –
Nor once look up – for Noon?

FeBREWary 20
​One of our favorites from 2020:

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

The Pile of Hours is now so deep
As those that came before
But I am rising every Day
From recollection’s Floor
And while by standing in my Room
I try to reach my cup
To race the coffee to my face
So that I do not drop
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

In Charlottesville, we love visiting Cville Coffee, not only for their great coffee -- but for their delicious "Honey Bunches" too!
By Emily Dickinson:

The Pile of Years is not so high
As when you came before
But it is rising every Day
From recollection's Floor
And while by standing on my Heart
I still can reach the top
Efface the mountain with your face
And catch me ere I drop

FeBREWary 19
​One of our favorites from 2021:

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

There is no Frigate like a Cup
To wake me Every day
Nor any Bracer like a Brew
Of piping hot black Joe –
This Pick-me-up the pooped-out take
With just a minor Toll –
How fugal is the Chariot
That bears the Human soul
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

​When we visit Chicago, we often find ourselves at Foxtrot in the morning -- they have great coffee and DELICIOUS donuts!
By Emily Dickinson:

There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away
Nor any Coursers like a Page
Of prancing Poetry –
This Traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of Toll –
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears the Human soul

FeBREWary 18
​One of our favorites from 2023:

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

It is given to me by the Gods –
When I rise and greet the World
It gives us Power most –
​          you know –
When we are new – and bold.
I hold it in my hand –
I always gulp it down –
I do not dare to put – it down –
For fear it would be gone –
I use such words as "Rich"
When hurrying to work –
My lips at Corners of the Lid –
I swallow with a smile.
Rich! 'Tis my cup – that’s rich –
To take the name of Joe
It’s Gold to own – in Coffee Cups –
The Difference – makes me bold –
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

​When we visit New York City, we almost always stopped at a Gregory's Coffee!  

Great coffee.  Delicious treats!
By Emily Dickinson:

It was given to me by the Gods –
When I was a little Girl –
They give us Presents most –
​          you know –
When we are new – and small.
I kept it in my Hand –
I never put it down –
I did not dare to eat – or sleep –
For fear it would be gone –
I heard such words as "Rich" –
When hurrying to school –
From lips at Corners of the Streets –
And wrestled with a smile.
Rich! 'Twas Myself – was rich –
To take the name of Gold –
And Gold to own – in solid Bars –
The Difference – made me bold –
​

FeBREWary 17
​One of our favorites from 2015:

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

Commuters cannot meet a Cup
Without a Reverie –
And so encountering a Joe
This early morning Ride
Columbians of Remembrance stir
That send me reeling in –
The somnolent drinker of Delight
Who does deserve this mud –
Of octane, filled in the mug
Energy in the joe –
So connoisseurs of Lattes
Consume the Java Juice –
By Emily Dickinson:

A Drunkard cannot meet a Cork
Without a Revery –
And so encountering a Fly
This January Day
Jamaicas of Remembrance stir
That send me reeling in –
The moderate drinker of Delight
Does not deserve the spring –
Of juleps, part are the Jug
And more are in the joy –
Your connoisseur in Liquours
Consults the Bumble Bee –
​



​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

​When we visit Los Angeles, we often stop by Blue Bottle Coffee.  I usually get cold brew while my wife gets a hot coffee.

I just can't understand why the stuff doesn't come in blue bottles!  LOL!

FeBREWary 16
​One of our favorites from 2022:

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

How soft this Pillow is
How warm these blankets are
No Ruler but the King of Dawn
Invented this repose
 
Of Fate if this is All
Has he no morning Joe
A Bedroom but a Dungeon is
If there’s no Coffee – though.
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

When we visited New Orleans, we stopped in St. Pat's, just off Bourbon Street.  Besides all the regular types of coffee drinks, they also serve affogatos.
By Emily Dickinson:

How soft this Prison is
How sweet these sullen bars
No Despot but the King of Down
Invented this repose
 
Of Fate if this is All
Has he no added Realm
A Dungeon but a Kinsman is
Incarceration — Home.

FeBREWary 15
​One of our favorites from 2013:

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

One Cup of so much Consequence!
Yet I – for it – would pay –
My Soul’s entire income –
In ceaseless – salary –
 
One Perk – to me – is signal –
That I should soon to live –
Although – I know – to wait it –
Will cause me – just my strife!
 
To Smell it full – I know it!
That – does most stir a Thrill!
It brews – distinct with aroma –
Impact – is Delightful!
 
This joe is rich – I know it!
And – keeps me sound awake –
When Mochas – are perceptible--
Soon for my upcoming Break!
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

At the August First Bakery in Burlington, VT, we had some delicious coffee, one Peach Kauignamann (don’t ask me how to pronounce it), and a griddled biscuit with maple butter and fruit jam.  #Yum
By Emily Dickinson:

One Life of so much Consequence!
Yet I – for it – would pay –
My Soul's entire income –
In ceaseless – salary –

One Pearl – to me – so signal –
That I would instant dive –
Although – I knew – to take it –
Would cost me – just a life!

The Sea is full – I know it!
That – does not blur my Gem!
It burns – distinct from all the row –
Intact – in Diadem!

The life is thick – I know it!
Yet – not so dense a crowd –
But Monarchs – are perceptible –
Far down the dustiest Road!
 
FeBREWary 14
​One of our favorites from 2014:
By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

'T is so much joe!  'T is so much joe!
How can I choose, what profusion?
And yet, as poor as I
Have ventured into a shop
To gain – Yes – a celebrated cup
This side of victory!
 
Life is but life, and death but death!
Bliss is but bliss, and breath but breath!
And when, indeed, I place
My request I know the end is sweet.
Delight brings nothing but delight,
No other drink can provide!
 
And when I gain, – the mug for  me,
Oh, bells that in the steeples be,
At first repeat it slow!
For java is a heavenly thing
A slow sip, then take sudden in,
And then o’erwhelm me so
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

When we visited Portland, OR, we did what all Portlandians -- and tourists -- do.  We went to Voodoo Doughnuts.  While it is a doughnut shop and not a coffee shop, we did get some delicious coffee there.  
By Emily Dickinson:

'T is so much joy!  'T is so much joy!
If I should fail, what poverty!
And yet, as poor as I
Have ventured upon a throw;
Have gained!  Yes!  Hesitated so
This side the victory!
 
Life is but life, and death but death!
Bliss is but bliss and breath but breath!
And if, indeed, I fail,
At least to know the worst is sweet.
Defeat means nothing but defeat,
No drearier can prevail!
 
And if I gain, – oh, gun at sea,
Oh, bells that in the steeples be,
At first repeat it slow!
For heaven is a different thing
Conjectured, and waked sudden in,
And might o'erwhelm me so
The Voodoo slogan is "Good things come in pink boxes."  Well, good things come in small coffee cups with pink cardboard cuffs too!

At the right:  I tried the "Dirty Old Bastard" and the "Homer Simpson" doughnuts.  
FeBREWary 13
​One of our favorites from 2019:
By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

​A Drip? A little pot a-drip?
As it is nearly dawn,
Will someone guide a little pot
To make sure that it’s on?
 
So workers say – on yesterday –
Just as the joe was brown
One little pot gave up its brew
T’was gurgled down and down.
 
So angels came – on yesterday –
Just as the brew was gone
One little pot – restocked with grounds –
Refilled its tank –
​       reset it heat –
We shot – exultant on!
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

When we visited Walla Walla, Washington, we strolled through a very nice shopping area, and we stopped into the local Starbucks.  I got the cold brew with pumpkin spice cream -- and the barista gave me a cup full of extra cream!  YUM!
By Emily Dickinson:

​Adrift! A little boat adrift!
And night is coming down!
Will no one guide a little boat
Unto the nearest town?

So Sailors say – on yesterday –
Just as the dusk was brown
One little boat gave up its strife
And gurgled down and down.

So angels say – on yesterday –
Just as the dawn was red
One little boat – o'erspent with gales –
Retrimmed its masts –
       redecked its sails –
And shot – exultant on!
​
Below:  When we were in Walla Walla, I came upon Till Gwinn outside the Die Brucke building.  He offered "custom poetry" -- so I asked him to write a poem about a brook (without telling him that my wife's name is Brooke).  He asked me a few questions, and then he said to come back in ten (maybe twenty?) minutes -- so that's when I strolled over to the Starbucks to get my cold brew pictured above.  To see Mr. Gwinn's poem, check out the pic below on the far right.

I don't know if Till Gwinn is based in Walla Walla or if he travels around the country.  However, if you ever come across him, be sure to have him write you some "custom poetry."  You can find him on Instagram as @tilltaylorpoetry.
FeBREWary 12
​One of our favorites from 2016:
By Emmett Lee Dickinson:
 
Percolation – is Contentment –
Gain – Sanity –
With Sanity – Conviction
Of Necessity
 
Of a Coffee treat of Pleasure –
Good, when the alarm
Is a too established Routine –
Mornings – always Come –
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 
By Emily Dickinson:
 
Expectation – is Contentment –
Gain – Satiety –
But Satiety – Conviction
Of Necessity
 
Of an Austere trait in Pleasure –
Good, without alarm
Is a too established Fortune –
Danger – deepens Sum – 
In the fall of 2022, my wife and I took an unbelievable trip out west.  For the most part, we followed the trail of the Lewis & Clark Expedition -- and more -- so we ended up driving through South and North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.  We also drove through part of Wyoming on the return trip, and we visited Yellowstone. ​

In Glasgow, MT, we stayed in a wonderful hotel called Rundle Suites -- we loved it -- and just around the corner was a great little coffee shop, the Loaded Toad.

Glasgow calls itself the "middle of nowhere," because one has to drive at least four hours in any direction to get to another town of any comparable size.  Soo -- if you ever end up in the middle of nowhere, definitely stop in the Loaded Toad. 
FeBREWary 11
​One of our favorites from 2018:
​By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

Sleep is supposed to be,
By souls of sanity,
The shutting of the eye.

Sleep is the holy land
But on the other hand
The waking is not grand!

Morn is supposed to be,
By people of degree,
The best part of the Day.

Morning is just too blurred!
That shall Forever be –
It’s not Hyperbole –
​
One needs a sturdy joe –
One needs the mud to flow –
That is the break of Day!
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

In the fall of 2022, my wife and I took an unbelievable trip out west.  For the most part, we followed the trail of the Lewis & Clark Expedition -- and more -- so we ended up driving through South and North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.  We also drove through part of Wyoming on the return trip, and we visited Yellowstone. ​
By Emily Dickinson:

Sleep is supposed to be,
By souls of sanity,
The shutting of the eye.

Sleep is the station grand
Down which on either hand
The hosts of witness stand!

Morn is supposed to be,
By people of degree,
The breaking of the Day.

Morning has not occurred!
That shall Aurora be –
East of Eternity –
​
One with the banner gay –
One in the red array –
That is the break of Day!
​


​When we drove through the small town of Dickinson, ND, we stopped in for a visit at C & K Sweet Shoppe and Coffee.

They definitely had good coffee, but they also had some of the best treats we had along the way -- take a look at those delicious cookies on the left!
FeBREWary 10
One of our favorites from 2017:
By Emmett Lee Dickinson:
 
Coffee can do all but raise the Dead
And maybe even that
For such a potion might restore
A flesh equivalent
 
When I am tired and must sleep,
And weary and must snooze
And so I get my morning Jolt
Till I am all a-buzz.
By Emily Dickinson:
 
Love can do all but raise the Dead
I doubt if even that
From such a giant were withheld
Were flesh equivalent
 
But love is tired and must sleep,
And hungry and must graze
And so abets the shining Fleet
Till it is out of gaze.
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

In the fall of 2022, my wife and I took an unbelievable trip out west.  For the most part, we followed the trail of the Lewis & Clark Expedition -- and more -- so we ended up driving through South and North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.  We also drove through part of Wyoming on the return trip, and we visited Yellowstone. ​


Along the way, we visited many interesting and fun coffee shops, and one of our favorites was the Blue Lantern in Lewiston, Idaho. 

FeBREWary 9
One of our favorites from 2020:

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

Alive – at daybreak I shall be –
Sunrise – Hast thou a Mug for me?
At Midmorn, I drink what is Made,
How short it takes to make a Life –
Then – Midmorn, I pass by degree
Unto my Work, and Victory –
 
Midday – Good Day!  I need a cup,
Baristas bustle in the Shop –
Slowly my Future starts to Wear
I stumble for a Caffeine prayer
And soon to be Alive some more –
Identity, is coming – Sure,
Java – I need the taste – to roar!
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

Yesterday, I mentioned Aromas, our "go to" coffee shop in Colonial Williamsburg, but we also visit the Blue Talon Bistro.  

Yes, they have good coffee -- but their hot chocolate is some of the BEST we've ever had.  Plus, it comes with delicious house-made marshmallows!
By Emily Dickinson:

A Wife – at daybreak I shall be –
Sunrise – Hast thou a Flag for me?
At Midnight, I am but a Maid,
How short it takes to make a Bride –
Then – Midnight, I have passed from thee
Unto the East, and Victory –

Midnight – Good Night! I hear them call,
The Angels bustle in the Hall –
Softly my Future climbs the Stair,
I fumble at my Childhood's prayer
So soon to be a Child no more –
Eternity, I'm coming – Sire,
Savior – I've seen the face – before!

FeBREWary 8
One of our favorites from 2021:

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

I taste a coffee richly brewed,
In coffee cups to go;
For all the pots upon the Flame
Yield such a robust joe!
 
In need of energy am I,
A zombie at the dawn,
Reeling, through mindless work-week
​          daze
Throughout with stifled yawn.
 
When bosses turn the worker bees
Into their cubicles,
When working stiffs recount
​          their dreams,
I shall but drink the more!
 
Till punch clocks ring their daily bells
And serfs to suburbs run,
I’ll down a little coffee
Driving into the sun!
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

When we visit Colonial Williamsburg -- which is often -- we always visit Aromas.  Not only do they have great coffee -- and fantastic treats -- but they have a wonderful Java Chip Hot Chocolate!
By Emily Dickinson:

I taste a liquor never brewed,
From tankards scooped in pearl;
Not all the vats upon the Rhine
Yield such an alcohol!

Inebriate of air am I,
And debauchee of dew,
Reeling, through endless summer
​          days,
From inns of molten blue.

When landlords turn the drunken bee
Out of the foxglove's door,
When butterflies renounce
​          their drams,
I shall but drink the more!

Till seraphs swing their snowy hats,
And saints to windows run,
To see the little tippler
Leaning against the sun!

FeBREWary 7
One of our favorites from 2023:

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

I went to Heaven –
‘Twas a tall Cup
Filled – with a Coffee –
Drank – it Up –

Flavor – from the beans
At their Debut –
Beautiful – as Pictures –
No Man drew.
People – like the Moth
Is known to – flames –
Drink up – of Café Noir
And Caffeine – gains
Always– contented –
I – could be – 
‘Mong such unique
Intensity –
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

Yet another coffee shop we visit when we travel to North Carolina's Outer Banks (i.e., OBX) -- Ashley's Espresso Parlour.

Like the other OBX sites -- great coffee, terrific treats, and a fun atmosphere!
By Emily Dickinson:

I went to Heaven –
'Twas a small Town –
Lit – with a Ruby –
Lathed – with Down –

Stiller – than the fields
At the full Dew –
Beautiful – as Pictures –
No Man drew.
People – like the Moth –
Of Mechlin – frames –
Duties – of Gossamer –
And Eider – names –
Almost – contented –
I – could be –
'Mong such unique
Society –

FeBREWary 6
One of our favorites from 2015:

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

The Morning – is composed of Joes –
'Twere it not for that time –
There'd be Infiniteness –
In Latitudes from Home –

From cups – experienced Now –
Consume the Drink – to Work –
Caffeine dissolves into my Blood –
And Fears – exhale my Fears –

Without Debate – or Pause –
Ingurgitate the Brew –
So different My Days would be
Without my daily Joe –
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

When we visit North Carolina's Outer Banks (i.e., OBX), there are a few coffee shops we visit -- and one is the Morning View Coffee Shop. 

Great coffee!  Great treats!
By Emily Dickinson:

Forever – is composed of Nows –
'Tis not a different time –
Except for Infiniteness –
And Latitude of Home –
 
From this – experienced Here –
Remove the Dates – to These –
Let Months dissolve in further Months –
And Years – exhale in Years –
 
Without Debate – or Pause –
Or Celebrated Days –
No different Our Years would be
From Anno Domini's –
FeBREWary 5
One of our favorites from 2022:
By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

Mine – by the Right of the
​       Dark Selection!
Mine – by the Morning Meal!
Mine – by the Pot at the Scarlet sunrise –
Cups – cannot conceal!
 
Mine – here – in Aroma – and in Taste!
Mine – by the Day’s New Deal
Filtered – and Warmed –
Delicious Coffee!
Mine – long as Hours reel!
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

When we visit North Carolina's Outer Banks (i.e., OBX), we also go to the Front Porch Cafe.  Great coffee, and great pastries and muffins!
By Emily Dickinson:

Mine – by the Right of the
​       White Election!
Mine – by the Royal Seal!
Mine – by the Sign in the Scarlet prison –
Bars – cannot conceal!
 
Mine – here – in Vision – and in Veto!
Mine – by the Grave's Repeal –
Tilted – Confirmed –
Delirious Charter!
Mine – long as Ages steal!
FeBREWary 4
One of our favorites from 2013:
By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

I sipped and drank the precious Joe –
My Spirit grew robust –
I knew at once that it was pure,
And that its taste was Just –
I danced along the dingy Morn
For its bequest of Wings
Was but a Cup – What Liberty
That Caffeination brings –
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

When we visit Chicago, we always stop into the World's Largest Starbucks!  If Willy Wonka made coffee, this would be his factory!  LOL!
By Emily Dickinson:

He ate and drank the precious Words –
His spirit grew robust –
He knew no more that he was poor,
Nor that his frame was Dust –
He danced along the dingy Days
And this bequest of Wings
Was but a Book -- What Liberty
A loosened Spirit brings –

FeBREWary 3
One of our favorites from 2014:

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

A Mug of Effervescence
With a reviving Zeal –
A Prevalence of Energy –
A Rush that feels Unreal –
And every  Sip throughout the Route
Adjusts my tumbled Head –
The ride to Work, most probably,
An easy Morning’s Ride –
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

When in Seattle, do as the Seattleans do -- and we did!  We went to the world's first Starbucks at Pike Place. 
By Emily Dickinson:

A Route of Evanescence
With a revolving Wheel –
A Resonance of Emerald –
A Rush of Cochineal –
And every Blossom on the Bush
Adjusts its tumbled Head –
The mail from Tunis, probably,
An easy Morning's Ride –
There is debate among Seattleans about whether or not this establishment (shown above) really is the first Starbucks.  Some say, "The first Starbucks was actually located at 2000 Western Avenue, Seattle. This is just one minute away from the current Pike Place Market location."   You can read about that HERE. 

But who cares -- we had fun visiting the place!

On the afternoon we arrived, there was a L-O-N-G line with a L-O-N-G wait to get in -- so we visited other sites instead.  The next morning, after my early a.m. run, my wife met me there, and we got right in.

At the left, I'm shown with my cold brew with pumpkin spice cream on top. 

FeBREWary 2
One of our favorites from 2019:

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:
 
When bells each day affright the morn –
When coffee never comes –
When very weary Gentlemen
Are forced to leave their rooms –
 
When tired Workers rise and shine
’Tis Centuries till noon
The world’s Amiss – this town is
​       Torment –
Please, Coffee, pretty soon!
 
“Then we could climb the Ladder’s wrung
And view the Landscape o’er”
No Future bells – nor Factories,
Can scare us any more!
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

We've visited Amherst, MA, a couple of times, and of course, each time there we visited the Emily Dickinson Museum at the Homestead, the Dickinson's family residence.  In addition, we made it a point to visit Amherst Coffee -- they have great-tasting coffee and delicious treats too!
By Emily Dickinson:
 
Where bells no more affright the morn –
Where scrabble never comes –
Where very nimble Gentlemen
Are forced to keep their rooms –

Where tired Children placid sleep
Thro' Centuries of noon
This place is Bliss – this town is
​       Heaven –
Please, Pater, pretty soon!

"Oh could we climb where Moses stood,
And view the Landscape o'er"
Not Father's bells – nor Factories,
Could scare us any more!

FeBREWary 1
One of our favorites from 2016:

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:
 
The Soul has Bandaged moments –
When too appalled to stir –
She feels that ghastly Sun
     come up
And smacks the snooze alarm –
 
Salute her, with some coffee –
Desire it as it’s poured
Sip, Coffee, from the very lips
The Lover – hovered – o’er –
So worthy, that a drink so strong
Renews a Life – so – fair –
 
The soul needs moments of
     Escape –
When bursting through the door –
And heading like a Bomb, to work,
To toil among the Hours,
 
And with my Joe – delightfully
     borne –
I Live and with my Eyes –
See Liberty -- then know the more
My Life, and Paradise –
 
The Soul’s rebooted moments –
When, Coffee all day long,
Frees my shackled feet,
And lifts my life in Song,
 
The Coffee revives me, again,
Joes, are so prayed of Tongue –
​BEAN THERE, DRANK THAT: 

One of my favorite coffee shops in our local area is the Daily Grind on Route 29 North in Charlottesville.

They have great coffee -- AND -- they have the world's best banana bread (I'm addicted) -- and lots of other delicious treats too (including ice cream -- so affogatos there are wonderful).  
By Emily Dickinson: 
 
The Soul has Bandaged moments –
When too appalled to stir –
She feels some ghastly Fright
     come up
And stop to look at her –
 
Salute her, with long fingers –
Caress her freezing hair –
Sip, Goblin, from the very lips
The Lover – hovered – o'er –
Unworthy, that a thought so mean
Accost a Theme – so – fair –
 
The soul has moments of
     Escape –
When bursting all the doors –
She dances like a Bomb, abroad,
And swings upon the Hours,
 
As do the Bee — delirious
     borne –
Long Dungeoned from his Rose –
Touch Liberty – then know no more,
But Noon, and Paradise –
 
The Soul's retaken moments –
When, Felon led along,
With shackles on the plumed feet,
And staples, in the Song,
 
The Horror welcomes her, again,
These, are not brayed of Tongue –