a caffeinated romance

When I first wake to the fading pastels of dawn, when the chill of the dark is still settled on the world, before I can even begin to think about my day, I reach for my sultry Sumatran lover. I wrap myself around this radiating warmth as my senses awaken one by one. Oh how I love the full body, dark and rich, with just the right amount of sweet. I am not the only one taking solace in this strength each morning, and I do not mind. Millions share our passion and understand my need. They are lining up at Starbucks and in break rooms to embrace in routine rendezvous. I am referring, of course, to coffee. Also known lovingly as mud, sludge, rocket fuel, java, or plain ol’ cuppa joe. Just like me, people worldwide have found themselves immersed in this caffeinated romance.

And who can blame us? Like a Siren’s song, its robust aroma pulls you in, but not to rocky cliffs, instead into warm inviting kitchens and trendy coffeehouses. For centuries this seemingly simple little seed has stimulated the world. Stimulating global trade, starting from Arabia, going to Italy and radiating around the world. Stimulating our bodies, driving the workforce of the planet—construction workers, scientists, white-collar executives. Stimulating the creative minds of students, of artists, of inventors. It even inspired Johan Sebastian Bach to write a “Coffee Cantata.”

It is undeniable that there is something special about coffee. Its presence is found in religious realms, not only gaining notoriety amongst certain Christian and Muslim branches, but being exalted in religious rites and indigenous folklore. Its complexity and diversity has given a home to the brooding counter-culture of the beatnik, and birthed the social status associated with, say, a Venti Triple Half-caf Skinny Macchiato with Light Foam. Yet its simplicity has facilitated the dating game, alleviating the stress of a dinner date with it’s non-committal counterpart “Let’s grab a coffee sometime.”

Coffee is the proverbial ‘man for all seasons’ generously igniting the flame that starts each day, rekindling it with an afternoon pick me up, and giving fodder for a fire burning late into the night. It is as casual as a quick sip and a chat in the break room, as fun as a frozen treat for midsummer swelter, and as sophisticated as a layered cappuccino served with a silver spoon. Coffee has given selflessly to the world, and to me. I can honestly say that without coffee, I would not be here today—I would still be asleep in bed.