PEET'S

A.M. ritual

Unites familiar strangers.

Two shots espresso.

On my way to work

I frequent the local Hillcrest

Peet's for a small Chai lattee 

and a quick peak at my latest

New Yorker. I notice the same

cast of characters who share

my schedule.  We recognize 

each other and participate in

one another's a.m. ritual but

are strangers. Still, I feel an

attachment to this community

of sorts.  By the way, Peet's 

serves up the best Chais.