A scene observed while quietly drinking a cup of coffee on a Sunday afternoon. Timmy's is an abbreviation of Tim Horton's a coffee shop chain with stores throughout Canada


Timmy's Doorman

A tall man unshaven unkempt
Mismatched clothes worn without regard for fashion, style or cut
Colours drab grays and browns
Moves slow deliberate against an unseen soft and pliant inertia
He orders coffee in a too loud voice tinged with care and childhood
Speech mirrored in its stretched words drawn out with deliberation and innocence
Overly formal

TWO MILKS AND FOUR SUGARS PLEASE

Sitting
Winter clothes his costume armor
by the door
He sips and rocks slowly nodding
Hand near the handicap button
To open the door for unsuspecting patrons
He smiles a guileless smile eyes glistening his face a warmth of caring with a hope for recognition and silent thanks.
Yet none entering throughout the afternoon sees his earnestness or respects his gallant officiating
Save one... his friend


Joseph Ouellette

December 29 2009


Timmy's is an abbreviation of Tim Horton's a coffee shop chain throughout Canada






Poetry by josephus The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 737 times
Written on 2009-12-29 at 16:34

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Peter J. Kautsky
Very touching characterization of a has-been man not surrendering to tyranny of Father Time. He still has a job.

Language: 5
Format: 5
Mood: 5
Overall: 5
2012-05-27


ngaio Beck
Wonderfully crafted Joe. There are a thousand thing to be learned,(and felt),through this little piece.

Language: 5
Format: 5
Mood: 5
Overall: 5
2010-12-13



A vivid portrayal—clear images provide as complete a picture as the reader cares to make it. It is always interesting when a writer captures a character, or a moment in time, and is able to distill its essence into a few strong lines as you have. Here the writer's personality, yours, is quieted so the character is allowed to come through.

Thoroughly enjoyable and memorable.
2009-12-29