Paying Homage
by Patti L. Brown

I was supposed to be in Seagirt by 10:00. I was running late, but I thought that it would be ok. Nothing like New Jersey traffic in the morning! I sat in the car an extra minute or two to finish my luke-warm coffee poured an hour ago. It was only home-brew, but it was better than nothing. It was comfort for me before I went in.

I was just a little nervous. I didn't do this very often, and I had to travel quite a distance to get there as well. My boss was meeting me here, by her choice. I was really glad about that! I could smell the heavenly fragrance of coffee before I even went in. I just wanted to get this over with. I looked at the line of the faithful as I passed through the door. They all stood quietly, waiting until it was their turn to pay their respects. There were already quite a few people lined up. I was surprised with the size of the crowd. I was glad I wore black... it was the fashion at events like these. I looked over and saw my supervisor. She had beaten me here by a few minutes. She had made it through the line and was waiting for me, coffee in hand. Bless her; she always had a cup of coffee in her hand. I couldn't wait to get through the line, so I could join her for a cup of joe.

The people spoke in hushed tones and stood off to one side after reaching the front. I exchanged knowing glances with a few who had already made it through. I could see that some of them checked their watches and struggled with how long to stay after passing through the line. Others had taken seats in chairs and on couches, speaking softly and trying to relax. Soon it would be my turn, and then I would join them in the waiting.

A small child in line ahead of me cried in his mother's arms. I could see scorn in the faces of those waiting around. It was clear that they felt this was no place for a child. His mother looked around nervously and tried to soothe him. I managed to catch the eye of the child and gave him a small smile, hoping he would know that it was ok for him to be here too. even mothers must pay their respects sometime. As I approached the front, I wondered when my own children would be old enough to behave in a place like this. I watched beyond the child, knowing that my turn was coming.

"Grande vanilla caffe latte, please." I spoke softly but confidently. The Starbucks attendant complimented my choice. He offered me a food morsel to accompany my drink, but there was no need for that. I reached into my wallet and paid homage to the honored beverage. Then I, too, moved off to the side, joining the ranks of the reverent. I would eventually make my way back to meet with my supervisor, but only after I got my coffee.