This steamy beverage keeps me conscious.

It is a little cup of comfort

On a cold, early autumn English night-

Reminiscent of baristas in sunnier climes.

I see them now. It must be daylight there,

And they are outside the cafes taking orders from tables

of tourists, or of locals who enjoy a pace of life that permits them such luxuries.

I cradle it in my hands as though holding onto a dream;

I pluck a cocktail stick and craft my own heart in the frothy topping.