You are one of the most mysterious of creatures

I was reminded of the sad cockroach Gregor in Kafka’s tale

As you sat half hidden amongst the wafer thin sea grasses

You had escaped from a market stall on the long coastal path

I supposed that you were running in the general direction of the sea

But as a coffee bean you did not have legs which inhibited your means of escape

So I picked you up and hid you in my pocket away from the feral death squads

Later I held you to my nose as your sweet perfume soon intrigued me

I had long suspected that you had originated in the vanilla scented tropics

But unlike Gregor you will not perish by your own hand nor do I wish you any harm

You will pass your days in comfortable exile with my collection of exotic coffee beans

Deep in my strange kitchen that overlooks the quiet thoughts of the pale blue sea