One Cup Habit

you order a cup
"iced cold," you say,
"with whipped cream"

they hand it to you
making sure that all
your requests are done

you smell its taste
you taste its smell
it's your solemn ritual

it moistens your hand
until your mind freezes
and the world stops

"it's safe again," you say
this is your private moment
as you sip, as you breathe.

*****
i tried another flavor last night.
they called it mocha fredoccinno.