Kari

I love coffee. Many of my friends do too. I've often written to describe coffee.

Something so robust,

Yet strangely pristine—

Who would’ve guessed

That it came from a bean?

Today I started thinking about a poem I wrote ten years ago--about coffee--in which I mentioned each cup, or mug, representing a different friend. 

Grounds for Sharing

C reated by God

O dor supreme

F iltered perfection,

F it for a king

E ver-y swallow, a savored event

E ach cup on my shelf doth a friend

          represent.

So, next when you sit to enjoy a fine brew,

Invite someone special to share it with you.

© 2003, Teresa L. Kephart

This poem got me to thinking about my various treasured coffee mugs and how they each remind me of certain friends. Today's featured friend is Kari Moynihan. She's been my friend for almost thirty years. We like a lot of the same things, such as going to the "happy store" (aka Goodwill Outlet) to find "treasures." The reason this colorful mug reminds me of Kari is because of her zest for life. She likes to find ways to have fun. She's spontaneous and enthusiastic about making  memories with family and friends. She doesn't try to be like anyone else--she's definitely free to be who she is. It's all of these qualities that make her so colorful. When I see this mug, I think 'Fiesta!' And that's what I think when I see Kari's smile too. Kari is insightfully creative, thought-provokingly outspoken, and fiercely loyal. A better friend no one could find. A poem I wrote for Kari a few years ago sums her up fairly well, I think:

To My No-Faux Friend

I like to admire faux finishes,

Like sponging and crackling effects

I’m taken by faux antique furniture

And distressing, in many respects

But I’m thankful that though you’re creative

And pretty faux-competent too,

If there’s one faux-free thing I can count on

It’s that there is NOT a faux YOU.

You are such the real deal and much more,

And your basecoat does not hide your quirks

You are sandpaper honest, assertive,

In a marble-strong way that just works

You are country, chic, cottage, and vintage

But always with fresh common sense

And you’re there when I struggle deciding

What to do with an old piece of fence

You take discarded doors and find beauty,

Make tired frames into pieces of style

But you’re never too busy for friendship,

You’re designed for the extra mile

I hang onto the fabric our lives share

And I cherish our “happy store” buys

‘Cause it’s not a faux feeling I’m having

In my heart, you’re a most treasured prize

© 2009 Teresa L. Kephart