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