World's Best Coffee

Ah, coffee, the elixir of life. The bumblebees droned lazily around the front porch where my dad and I were sitting. My clothes stuck to my skin in the sticky summer heat. A cup of strong, decadent coffee grasped firmly in my hand, I sipped slowly. I was watching the cars pass by my house--each one different and unique. I took another swig of coffee and pondered my path in life.

I am like this mug of coffee, I thought: strong yet fragile, sweet yet bitter; I am the very embodiment of this potent brew.

One of the bees landed on the rim of the mug, and in my effort to swat it away, I spilled a wee bit of coffee over the edge. As I watched the small brown cascade, I was yet again reminded of the precariousnes of my life. As a teenager trying to find my place in the world, I could easily spill out of my "mug." But, like the coffee, wherever I fall, I will adapt and conform with my new surroundings. I am the coffee, and the coffee is me.

"Time for me to go to work," my dad announced brusquely, still sitting in his chair with a toothy grin plastered unwaveringly on his face. I just smiled at him and turned away. I know that I will find my place in the world someday, and like my coffee, I will be able to cope with any obstacles I may encounter in my journey.

I drained my mug and stood, staring into the already sweltering summer morning. I knew that when my time came, I would make my own hearty brew.