sweet and low

some people
like to doctor
their coffee.
it takes a half
an hour at least
while they stand
at the counter
pouring, stirring,
adding
sugar, powdered
chocolate,
cinnamon and cream
into their
cup.
then they take a
small test
sip, to see if it
is drinkable, not
quite.
they start again
until finally
it is right.
they always leave
with a handful
of sweet and low
stuffing the pink
envelopes into
their pockets,
for later. they're
free, right?