Coffee with Frankie

i wake up in New York
it's 4.30am
already the street has
a buzzing energy
a swing & hum, whispering
secrets to the new day.
my limbs are heavy and
thick with sleep
my slumber drunk eyes
struggle to focus as i
throw a hand out
in search for my glasses.

there's a low drawling
sound coming from downstairs,
i smile & silently thank God
for the gorgeous girl
who is making coffee.
i told her not to wake up
i had packed my bags,
left them at the
bottom of the stairs,
i had a plan.... quick shower
sneak into the kids room
to steal goodbye kisses,
i'd leave a note and a
gift next to the
coffee machine
and take a cab to JFK.

but this is Frankie
the friend who's seen
your tragic bedhead
and you've seen hers
she knows the name
of your first crush
she was there when you
got a perm.... a perm!
& remembers the time
you got your a*s kicked
because she's the friend
that stepped up & got her
a*s kicked saving you.

i step lightly down
the stairs, painfully aware
of the kids slumbering
peacefully, i chuckle
as i hear faint snores
coming from their room.
halfway down and i am
hit with the full bodied
aroma of coffee, lingering
kissing my morning face.

she's barefoot and clad
in too big sweat pants
offers a smile & a raspy
good morning
before handing over
a cup of coffee.
heaven in a cup &
by some divine
work of coincidence
Roberta Flacks cover
of "You've got a friend"
spills softly from the dock
on the breakfast bar
and i smile at the blessing
standing before me.

i warm my hands around
mint green porcelain
& fill my lungs with the
rich almost chocolatey
aroma before my first sip,
and really i'm not at all
surprised to be sitting
and drinking coffee with
Frankie at 4.30am,
because she's that friend
that ohana friend &
i'm quietly grateful
i've got that kind of friend.

she pushes a stack of
pancakes, yoghurt
and fresh fruit in front
of me and demands that
i feed little Izzy, i laugh
& demand that she eat
with me, she huffs but
relents.... she's bossy but
i love her to pieces.
by 6am i'm showered
and waiting for my cab
the excitement is setting in
& for the first time today
i entertain the fact that i'm
going home ....Hawaii home
at 6.30am from a New York cab
i wave teary eyed to Frankie
who stands barefoot on a
Brooklyn Stoop.

Author's Note

For Frankie, who's that kind of friend!

Reviews

[barleygirl]

This is some of the best storytelling in poetry that I've seen in months! I was so absorbed in your story, marveling at how you make everything come alive in the reader's mind, with visuals & all the senses piqued! Even tho this story describes your friend as being a phenomenal friend most people never know, your story also shows YOU in that same light. Your adoring affection shines thru to let us see this is a fully two-way street between you! This is a priceless share, becuz it's so rare! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Einstein Noodle]

what a tribute to your friend ..i admit to being a little jealous ..those kinds of friends do not come often in ones life ;) well said ..to many delicious descriptives to mention ...the whole of the scene woven tightly by cords of love and caring .. my favorite word has to be "drawling" .. great use of your licence, Ms. Hippy
E.

[Island Hippy]

Mahalo much.

[Paul Bell]

What a way to wake up. Pancakes and coffee.
I would give up sex for that.
Frankie should be running the country.
Everyone should have a Frankie.
How are you getting on.

[Island Hippy]

Aloha Paul.... you never fail to make me laugh :) my girl Frankie would run rings around trump and yes everyone should have a Frankie!

All is well and swell ;) good to be home. Hope you're well xx

[Paul Bell]

Doing great. When is the big event.

[Island Hippy]

Due Oct 1st :)

[Paul Bell]

Nice one. Wont be long now.

[Ken Simm.]

A wondeful story, beautifully told and an equally wonderful friend.

[Island Hippy]

Aloha Ken, my apologies for the delayed reply. Mahalo for the visit and wonderfully warm words x

[emmajoy]

'going home ....Hawaii home
at 6.30am from a New York cab
i wave teary eyed to Frankie
who stands barefoot on a
Brooklyn Stoop. '

Magic!

What an absolutely wonderfully wonderful poem.. I've not been to NY, never met your darling friend.. but i've just touched you and your world via such fine writing. To have a friend like yours is so very precious, isn't it.. i know... Dear, dear Izzy, travel beautifully. Fill your heart and mind with a million new memories and look forward to being not only two but a glorious three. Waving blessings across our world..

[Island Hippy]

Aloha Em, my apologies for my much delayed reply, mahalo much for your gorgeous comment.
It is so true that those friends are so precious Em, never changing and ever present that's what I love about Frankie :) big hugs and blessings beautiful ku'uipo xx

[emmajoy]

Laughing.. so thrilled, happy, pleased, content.. to see your face and words and know.. you're safe!
Plus, hopefully, a happy girl. Are you well, surviving all your travels, not feeling too tired, etc? .

[Island Hippy]

'Ae, very happy to be home, mahalo for asking. Was a little under the weather but all good now. Hope you're well and the sun is shining for you x

[emmajoy]

So pleased you're safely home, luv.. but sorry you've been under the weather.. you need some rest and relaxation perhaps. Please. Having a heatwave in the UK.. far too hot.. but then I like Winter and Autumn bestest! Be happy.. prayers and smiles, peace and contentment.

[Jocelyn cortes]

The sweetest moments in life are small. This piece brings a really good feeling.

[Island Hippy]

Mahalo Jocelyn, I appreciate and absolutely agree with your comment and glad it's brIngs good feels.

[Chris]

There ARE moments that mark a space in our minds - indelibly... you just defined one.

[Island Hippy]

Mahalo Chris, that's a very warm comment I appreciate it a great deal

[jacob erin-cilberto]

two things i relate to so well here...having a friend like this...a couple actually....and NY...being my roots...the sounds of the Bronx i still remember so well...vivid story poem...like watching a movie.
j.

[Island Hippy]

Mahalo Jacob, :) what a great comment and a lovely thing to learn about you. Those friends are precious as emmajoy said :) and NY is one of my favorite places to visit always feels quite magical to me.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A beautifully descriptive captive moment in time to tell the tale of love and friendship. Flowing narrative in a poetic class.

[Island Hippy]

Mahalo John, I appreciate your comment very much :) hope you're well my friend x

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I'm good Izzy. How was London?

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Yay my ohana- you are going home! I cried when reading this amazing poem. So real and in the moment with descriptive expertise. You bring us in the moment with you, seeing the scene, and Frankie from your eyes-"Frankie who stands barefoot on a Brooklyn Stoop." Awesome musical and poetic tribute to a cherished "ohana friend".Roberta Flack- Yes! Love you & Little Izzy- wish you safe & speedy travel. God always bless you and yours.xo

[Island Hippy]

Aww ohana your comment is dripping with such warm and aloha!
Mahalo much my ohana. An abundance of blessings to you. Lots of aloha xxx

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Aloha Big & Little Izzies! Please rest yourselves and feel much better now that you're back in Hawaii. Xo