18 October 2008

The Karma of Coffee

It had been a good morning ride - bright and cool, steeds swift and sure. The aroma of my beverage filled my senses as I watched The Lizard consume porridge outside the roadside cafe, while simultaneously keeping conversation with a two other, obviously bewildered, patrons.

A tara approached with her driver. She was voluptuous, and atypically clad, but exuding pleasant compassion. They entered the cafe, and we continued relaxing with our second-breakfast.

As the tara exited the cafe, her servant carried her meal and his beverage to their conveyance. Helping her up, he laid his beverage upon the cab of their carriage. Forgetting his drink, he entered after her and prepared to disembark.

"Your coffee!" The Lizard projected, unheard by either the tara or her driver.

In typical form, The Bishop had already moved forward, clumsily covering the space between our table and the carriage. The driver looked concerned at first, The Bishop focused on arresting any movement of the carriage.

The tara simply looked puzzled, seeming to understand The Bishop meant no harm. Her visage transformed into a smile, as The Bishop reached up above the carriage, grasped the driver's cup, and carefully placed it in the owner's hand. The Bishop turned as quickly as he had started and returned to our table, his duty fulfilled.

The tara called after him, "You've earned yourself much coffee-karma, my good ecclesiastic."

The Bishop appeared to politely acknowledge the tara's blessing, but I could see his hue change perceptibly.

"He deserves good karma," The Lizard whispered, "after all he has been through these many months."

"These many years." I corrected, and took another draught of my coffee.

It was a fine morning indeed.

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