Steam curls from the cup like a quiet thought,

Morning loosens its grip on the clock.

A spoon rings once, a small silver bell,

Calling me back to myself.

The world pauses between sips,

Emails asleep, worries blinking.

Coffee tastes like permission,

To breathe without a plan.

Sunlight practices on the table,

Learning how to be gentle.

I sit with nothing urgent,

Except the warmth in my hands.

Time thins, just enough,

For a smile to stretch.

Outside, life rehearses loudly,

Inside, I stay unscheduled.

One sip more, then courage,

One sip less, then calm.

This break knows my name,

And lets me rest in it.