They’ve just left,
the house is finally quiet.
Sitting here,
one hand holding
the handle of my coffee mug.
One hand hugging its toasty side.
Enjoying the warmth in my palms,
I take a sip
of the creamy, frothy mixture.
Holding the mug to my nose,
I inhale deeply
and enjoy the smoky, caramel aroma.
I close my eyes for a second
and take in the precious silence.
With each sip,
I become more relaxed.
No TV.
No music on.
The only sound,
a clock ticking.
Just a rare instance,
with only
myself for company.
For once, I feel
at peace.
☕
I drink the last mouthful.
The coffee now lukewarm.
The aftertaste,
both bitter and sweet,
lingers on my tongue.
A smooth dry sensation
circulates around my mouth.
☕
And then I hear it.
The harsh crash
of the garage door opening
snaps me back to reality.
My family returning.
Time to get up.
Mouths to feed.
Clothes to wash.
But I feel the strength
to navigate it now.
☕
Later this afternoon,
this moment will be
echoing in my mind.
About the Creator
Sandy Gillman
I’m a mum to a toddler, just trying to get through the day. I like to write about the ups and downs of parenting. I’m not afraid to tell it like it is. I hope you’ll find something here to laugh, relate to, and maybe even learn from.
Reader insights
Nice work
Very well written. Keep up the good work!
Top insight
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Keep reading
More stories from Sandy Gillman and writers in Poets and other communities.
📢 Raise Your Voice Thread: 01/08/2026
Our “Raise Your Voice Threads” are hosted most alternating Thursdays at 12PM ET to offer creators more avenues to uncover exceptional stories on Vocal. As we are continuously searching for fresh creators and inspiring stories, this thread provides an opportunity to exchange and discuss the stories that have moved and motivated us on Vocal.
By Raise Your Voice by Vocal6 days ago in Resources
Comments (16)
The sweet joyful cup of coffee, yet strong enough to hold the exhausted body and mind. Such a great read for our mental health!
This time is a sweet reverie and I felt the peace that you did in that moment. Great job!
Good for you and taking a coffee break!💗
Ahhh...your words are every bit as delicious as the sip of coffee. Even the sound of the garage door will not eliminate the memory of the mugful, your moment of peace drifting back to you when you most need it.
How wonderful - taking a few moments out for self care with a good old cup of Joe!
Beautifully captured moment of tranquility & rejuvenation.
A moment’s peace, so precious and energising any you really conveyed that moment with lucidity
🌹This is awesome
Delightful work! I got lost in the moment with you! ☺️
Ooo this has something of a timeline. The moment when everybody leaves. Having a cup of coffee all without the TV. I literally jumped when I read the garage door opening. The harsh crash of it. You had me in a place of peace, and I couldn't stand anyone disturbing it. Time to get up. Mouths to feed. Clothes to wash. I could see you almost running around in circles, when I read this. The image is funny. But brutal. Later in the afternoon, your mind most certainly will go back to that moment of peace. 🤗❤️
glad you got a bit of "me time" in!
Ah, and I look forward to my cup every a.m. A must have! A great ode, Sandy.
Coffee break is a moment to be enjoyed for sure until next time. 🥰
Sadly, all good things to come to an end. Loved your poem!
It is sometimes so pleasant to have those moments
Brilliantly descriptive free verse and loved it!!!❤️❤️💕