I first met Anna when she was a struggling writer
In the city of Enschede in June 1999
I was then as I am now an established poet
And had travelled to Enschede for a number of readings
Anna told me that she thought that I looked like Nina Hagen
She had not been the first person to tell me that
Although I could not see the resemblance myself
Anna showed me a copy of her proposed novel
It was to be called Better than Coffee
Younger woman meets older woman
Both are writers one successful and the other unknown
They have a brief but intense affair that lasts
Until the younger woman is killed in an explosion
Caused by poorly stored fireworks
The older woman arranges for the younger woman’s book
To be published and it meets with favourable reviews
The book sells well and is translated into French and Italian
In 2004 the older woman publishes a book of poetry
Which is also called Better than Coffee
Her poems reveal the strong feelings that the older woman
Had for the younger woman during the final year of her life