Poems (Lambert)/Upon Receipt of a Pound of Coffee in 1863

by Mary Eliza Perine Tucker Lambert

UPON RECEIPT OF A POUND OF COFFEE IN 1863.

THE sight of the coffee was good for sore eyes,
For I have not learned yet its worth to despise;
I welcomed each grain as I culled with care o'er,
And in fancy increased it to ten thousand more.

I put it on fire, and stirred round and round,
Then took it off gently when it was quite browned;
When cool I proceeded to fill up my mill,
And ground up a boiling with very good will.

I measured three spoons full, you see, for us three—
The old Lady Lane, my Grand-mother and me;
I added some water, then put it to boil,
And stood close by, watching, for fear it might spoil

I put cream and sugar in three of our cups,
Then poured out our coffee, and took some good sups.
I thought of the Turk, sitting on his curled knees,
And was sure that our coffee, his Lordship would please.

It spoiled me, and now I'm beginning to think,
When that coffee gives out, what the mischief I'll drink;
I must get some coffee—beg, borrow, or steal—
For after that Java, I can't drink parched meal!

Thus down to the bottom we drank your good health!
May God shower o'er you of blessings a wealth;
May you never want for good coffee and tea—
And, friend, in your buying, remember poor me!