The Art of Consumption

I take my news like I take my coffee:
black on a white screen mug, bitter, 
streaming, never frothy.

 I blow on it, then take full swallow,
for I know fresh brew will be gone tomorrow,
replaced  by something scalding,
but necessary to our productivity. 

And in the afternoon, I may reread,
news clips from the daily magazine
sipped like cups of tea:
flavors steeped by memory 
with time's sweet sugar and consciousness' cream.
A softer take, I then
await the conversations that follow.

This poem made deadline for d’Verse Poet’s Pub: Poetics: For the love of the broadsheet. Join us.

Cover Art: Pinterest

Paramore “The News”

16 responses to “The Art of Consumption”

Laura Bloomsbury

your title encapsulates the whole poem perfectly ‘”before the taking of a toast and tea” to requote Eliot

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1. Katie Frances Hartless
  
  Many thanks, Laura. I think I read the news with that “let’s get this over with” bandaid-off-attitude. I enjoy The Altantic and The New Yorker much more in the afternoon with something sweet.
  
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Susan St.Pierre

Yes! A second “taste” is more satisfying.

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1. Katie Frances Hartless
  
  Indeed. I’ve been spitting the news out lately. Sorry for the delay. Things have been all topsy-turvy here and I forgot to respond to lots of messages.
  
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Helen

You have described the ‘art of our news consumption’ beautifully! Morning and afternoon versions!!!!!

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1. Katie Frances Hartless
  
  Thank you, Helen. I can’t even take the taste of it lately. I’m hanging in there, though. Indomitable spirit and all. I feel helpless to make positive change. That’s the worst part of it.
  
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Björn Rudberg (brudberg)

I like the way you take the brutality of the news with coffee, and then sip the rest with tea… perfect.

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1. Katie Frances Hartless
  
  Thank you, Björn. I don’t think I’ll be able to stomach it at all soon. Someone may have to plug my nose and pour it down my gullet. Sorry for the delay.
  
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rothpoetry

Very nicely done. I love your vivid descriptions.

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1. Katie Frances Hartless
  
  Thank you, Dwight. I have to say I’m dreading the mornings right now. I wish I could make more impact. Sometimes it feels like just a little drop in the bucket to be teaching and to write about these things.
  
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  1. rothpoetry
    
    Hang in there for Blue Skies and warmer/cooler weather depending on which hemisphere you live in! Know your are making a difference.
    
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paeansunplugged

It seems you have perfected the art of consuming news. Bitterness of coffee to counter the harshness of headlines and the sweet and flavoursome tea to imbibe the mellow offerings. This is lovely, Katie.

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1. Katie Frances Hartless
  
  Thank you kindly, Punam. The afternoon edition is always a bit sweeter, athough lately, I don’t have the stomach for any of it. I appreciate you commenting here. So sorry for the delay.
  
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Dora

Consumption of news is an art indeed, as you beautifully show, Katie.

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1. Katie Frances Hartless
  
  Thank you so much, Dora. In the past, I’ve really savored knowledge and the news. Now, it’s more like a “must do.” I wish I could be more of an advocate for change. So sorry for the delay in responding, as well. A great theme.
  
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BrittnyLee

This is so clever

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