the Starbucks on the corner
can enjoy my business as
I substitute its products
of liquid, caffeinated state
for more substantial choices.

I don’t need to chew.

and I don’t need you
	(or anyone, really),
even though you’re the influence
on my venture to try—

to drink this black,
	in the first place,
but also to try
to get a hold of myself—

but all I have to hold
is twelve ounces
of coffee.