The Rooster In My Coffee
Poetry | Posted by Jannie on 11 October 2011 @ 5:55 AM 63 Comments
A rooster floats on my coffee
then morphs into hair like Joni’s
in her painting from long ago.
The rooster reappears wearing
a wedding dress and one Roman
sandal with a dangling strap.
The rooster is not chicken.
He leaps from my mug to the
kitchen table and dances.
I’ve not seen pirouettes and
rond de jambes that fine since
the winter Ballerina Jane and I
gambled in a Russian bakery
by night and ached in tall towers
of boredom and bones by day.
Rooster likes my Highland fling.
Is impressed I suffer only three
nicks during my sword dance.
We cavort around the house
until he darts out the back door,
over the cat, under the fence,
and back to the magical mist
he danced from. Gone forever
but always with me in spirit,
especially on mornings like this
when distant lattes crow and
the trees are all playing guitars.
Have a happpy day.
And [edit] wow, I made it to #10 on Mr. Linky this week!! 
Does dVerse Poetry ROCK, or what??!
xoxo
FYI… those are the front and back covers of Joni’s first record, her own art.
On 11 October 2011 at 7:52 am
Dr. J said,
When I read your blog, my friend,
It’s like a rainbow comin’ round the bend!!
On 11 October 2011 at 8:50 am
Pat Hatt said,
That rooster just wouldn’t go away
It was like that cat that came back each and every day.
Maybe it needs to be a cat snack
I know one that can go on the attack..haha
On 11 October 2011 at 9:10 am
Lynn said,
I like that fanciful poem. Poor cat.
On 11 October 2011 at 9:51 am
colleen said,
And the dish ran away with the spoon! I’m going to see what steams up from my hot tea this morning. I love the ending of latte crows and trees playing guitar. You inspired the poem I posted today.
On 11 October 2011 at 11:04 am
brian miller said,
ha fascinating jannie…trees all painted guitars…what a magical rooster…as long as he leaves me the coffee in the end we are fine…smiles.
On 11 October 2011 at 11:28 am
Jannie said,
Oh Dearest Dr. J. Thank you!!! We at Funsterment Global Inc. do try to stick to our rainbow regimen.
And do you have to put on your Serengettis not to be blinded by my rainbow posts?
Dearest Pat Hatt — how can you say that about our fine frolickingly feathered coffee friend???
Please tell your cat Rooster is a bit of a Chuck Norris too. 
Dearest Lynn, the sunnily slumbering feline was a bit startled yes, and let out quite the yip when Rooster hopped on him, but Kitty went back to dreams of climbing trees, unharmed.
Dearest Colleen who as I, has been to London once… I was (am) most humbled and smiling I inspired your poem, which took my breath away in places. And what appeared in your tea? Seashells? Pink bell-bottoms? Cookie Monster?
What kind of tea? Green? Orange? Gypsy Cape Blue?? 
Dearest Brian Miller, yes, as long as that or any other rooster, mutt, squirrel, horse or hyena leaves my coffee for me, I’m totally DOWN with that!!
Thanks all, for your continued Funstering Support.
xoxo
xoxo
xoxo
xoxo
xoxo
xoxo
On 11 October 2011 at 12:37 pm
Glenn Buttkus said,
Up so early and at it, as the
words spring fertile and imaginative
from the funster vaults. This
whimsical whirlwind poetic
still has its drama midst the
brevity, for after all we have
to wonder about when you
/gambled in a Russian bakery
at night/. Another terrific effort
as you sharpen your poetic
chops week by week.
On 11 October 2011 at 12:57 pm
Linda said,
That’s one wild and crazy rooster. I enjoyed the mid-week frivolity.
On 11 October 2011 at 1:32 pm
Jannie said,
Dearest Glenn, World’s Biggest Poetry Fan… I am so happy my humble crazy offering has your whimsy wheels turning. Yes, that Russian bakery with it’s candle-lit outdoor area was quite the place to be! I think that verse might just as well have been, me and Ballerina Bea who took our sack lunches down to the sea… But that will have to wait for another poem!!
Dearest Linda, funny I did see the rooster in my coffe the day after Kelly and exited the local convenience store to find a rooster beside our car. He’d jumped fence. He was really cute. I have a photo on my iPhone. Last week, that was. And darn-it, I thought I was videoing but was not. Oh well, the Universe advised not to that day I guess.
xoxoxo
On 11 October 2011 at 2:13 pm
Lady Nyo said,
ROTF!! I’ll have whatever that rooster is having….LOL!
What a joy to read this poem…..it’s late in the afternoon, wish I could have read this delightful work this morning….so I will come back tomorrow morning nad read it again.
You have something that is so delightful, rare and gets right to the heart, Jannie.
I am definitely a fan and want MORE! There is something so positive about your work that I can’t stop smiling!
Lady Nyo
On 11 October 2011 at 2:30 pm
Quaz said,
hahahah!!! I love it, I love it I love it!!
I Want whatever you are on Jannie!
On 11 October 2011 at 2:49 pm
Claudia said,
so if the trees are playing guitar where you live i should move there…love the rooster leaping from the mug to dance on the kitchen table…sounds like the perfect morning….smiles
On 11 October 2011 at 3:15 pm
Thomma Lyn said,
Jannie! Wonderful, lovely, talented Jannie! Feels so good to be back on your blog. And thank you so much for your sweet comment on my tumbleweed-ridden blog, hehe! I intend to get back to blogging, at least more regularly than I have been, and maybe I’ll get some of those tumbleweeds dusted away.
I adore this poem. It really tugged at my heartstrings and made my mind feel all shimmery. Your wonderful work, music, poesy, has that effect on me. Sending great big hugs and smiles — I’ve been thinking about you, too, my friend.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
and purrs from my kitties!
On 11 October 2011 at 3:24 pm
ayala said,
The trees playing guitars…I love that. I love the journey you take here
On 11 October 2011 at 4:20 pm
cloudia said,
Joni would love your ‘fan art’ addition/comment to the amazing album!
Warm Aloha from Honolulu;
Comfort Spiral
>
On 11 October 2011 at 4:54 pm
Fred said,
Jannie- great piece, love the weaving of reality and the surreal. You painted this as a story-teller should. Love the piece, thanks for the read
On 11 October 2011 at 5:26 pm
John Richter said,
Man, Jannie, what did you put in that coffee? I think I’m having a flashback from the 60’s man…… Was that the yellow submarine that just drove down the street? hahahaahah…… great fun Jannie! I love this imagination! Colorful! Really enjoyed this a lot!
On 11 October 2011 at 5:51 pm
wolfsrosebud said,
what is in your mug… much imagination gathered in one place
On 11 October 2011 at 6:16 pm
Jannie said,
Dearest Lady Nyo, I do notice a new plant growing way in the far-back corner of the back yard since his coffee visitation. Is he into strange herbs?? So, maybe Rooster was taking trips and not leaving the farm.
Ahhhh, I am so glad I am able to uplift your spirit. Your comment sure did mine!! And let me know if you’re back tomorrow morning okay, and if you liked this poem better then!! And hey — your button is still next!! I think I’ll be a-buttonin’ you in the next 24 hours.
Quaz! Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you!!! Well, pop in some morning and we’ll share the great guitar tree vibes and Rooster’s magic!
And Quaz, great and interesting name.
Dearest Claudia, and once the birds rosin up their violin bows you’ll be absolutely a permanent resident of Jannie’s ‘hood.
Thomma Lyn!!!!!!!
I lured you back yet again. 
You blog when you feel like it, Honey and make sure it’s F.U.N.!!!! As in… Fully Uninhibited Nirvana, you who are ever and ever will be in my heart. Our two felines give hugs back.
Dearest Ayala, hopefully your journey here was equally as fun as mine? If you have even HALF the fun I did, my poetic “job” is done here today.
Cloudia, you are a Joni fan, as I well know!! Can you believe my first album of hers I did not have until I was 30 years old!?? Yes, Hubby Jim brought me home “For The Roses” and I fell. Bought em’ all. And loved most of them. Always a delight to have you comment!!
Dearest Fred… WHAT surreal?????
It all happened I tell you, it did! 
And you know what?? I never think of myself as a very good story-teller, but here I guess I did tell one not too bad, really. Even had a little plot, which usualy eludes me.
JOHN RICHTER, and WOLFSROSEBUD, Dears both. You and others are sensing srange intoxicants may have been pour as well as my cream and sugar??
I can tell you something — it was not whiskey, beer or champagne that… JOHN, was it a sumbarine???? 
Now, I think I’ll go shopping for some granola bars. And a jar of fun.
xoxoxoxoxooxxo
On 11 October 2011 at 6:38 pm
Daydreamertoo said,
Wow what a fabulous write from you! The artwork is stunning but your prose does it proud too! Amazing write!
On 11 October 2011 at 7:10 pm
lynne said,
What a joy-ride this was.. You grabbed me by the hand and whirled and twirled until the closing line..
Loved it .. and Miss Joni’s art is to-die-for-gorgeous..
I really enjoyed this ….
On 11 October 2011 at 7:54 pm
Fireblossom said,
That’s one of my favorite albums evah. I just bought it *again* on cd…used to have the LP.
On 11 October 2011 at 9:18 pm
Manicddaily said,
Love the crowing of distant lattes most of all.
On 11 October 2011 at 10:28 pm
Jannie said,
Ah, Ms. DayDreamerToo, I am so glad you like her art. I love how she chose to color some in, yet leave the rest black and white — interesting. You are too kind, but I love your enthusiasm for my write.
Dearest Lynne, oh yes, a lovely whirl and twirl. Since Rooster danced and made my day, how could I not pass on these magical moments to you?? That’s one think I sure miss about those old record albums — the artwork was nice and big.
Hey Dearest FireBlossom, yes I love that first cut, a wonderful melody and lyric. I had a king in a tenement castle who carried me off to his country for marriage too soon — ay, carumba, that woman! I wanna get my voice to her level. Amazing!! Ladies Of The Canyon is a nice one too, as I recall.
Hey Dearest ManicDaily — you are So Awesome to pop in again, thanks. And in just 7 hours I’ll hear those lattes crow again. They always reel me in. And make me dance once the fog lifts.
xooxoxoxox
On 11 October 2011 at 10:57 pm
jackie dick said,
Trees playing guitars! Why not…what fancy and imagination here, Jannie! Like tumbling down the hole with Alice again, just a little. Loved it!
On 11 October 2011 at 11:27 pm
Charles Elliott/Beautyseer said,
Phew! Sure do hallucinate when ya get a lil rooster in the morning! Guess ya hadda crow…
Lotsa fun heah! It was even a trip to see Joni’s ole hairdo!
On 11 October 2011 at 11:57 pm
Divya said,
I really liked the art work here..and yes the rooster is fun jumping and leaping from mug and kitchen table.. nice one
On 12 October 2011 at 12:08 am
Patricia said,
I would sit and stare for the longest time at that album cover… hadn’t thought of it forever. Good poem!
On 12 October 2011 at 12:13 am
Anna Montgomery said,
Rooster likes my Highland fling.
Is impressed I suffer only three
nicks during my sword dance.
So am I Jannie, so am I. Your word dances are like an afterparty – less formal, way more fun, and where all the interesting things happen!
On 12 October 2011 at 12:44 am
Ann LeFlore said,
You ending is excellent and I love how your trees can play guitars this is amazing and I can just picture this image so well done
http://gatelesspassage.com/2011/10/11/the-day-of-the-dead/
On 12 October 2011 at 9:22 am
kaykuala said,
The rooster darts and joust much to our delight in following its antics. Great imagery,Jannie!
Hank
On 12 October 2011 at 10:21 am
Jannie said,
Hi Dearest Jackie! Yes, a bit of a rooster tumble down the hole here.
My next poem is actually not so strange. Tune in Friday a.m. for that one. Or wait — is it even stranger??
Hi Dearest Charles, did you ever have that album? Pretty hippie-trippie on that art. Sweet tho, like the tunes on it. “And the stars paid a light bill,” she sang. LOVE that line!
Hi Dearest Divya — I bet you were as surprised as I when that coffee cream rooster leaped from mug to table, eh??
Bit of a morning twist indeed.
Hi Dearest Patricia — I only started getting her albums in my early 30s, on CD. But I had a friend I met about that time who had EVERY album of hers on LP, and boy-howdy did I LOVE looking at all that luscious art. The “Clouds” cover is great too. Joni is SO talented!!! I bet she is painting something today.
Hi Dearest Anna — yes, and those 3 nicks never even left a scar!!!
With the swords the tricky manoeuver is the under-the-leg toss. 
I LOVE your perception, spirit and comments, Anna. Thanks so much.
Hi Dearest Anne LeFlore, as I mentioned to others above, I will be so happy to have you pop by here to Austin and hear the trees yourself. Acoustic guitars mostly, but a bit of Gibson Growl now and then too!!!
Hi Dearest Hank — enjoying my Folger’s today. But boy — is it strong this morning. I’m already bouncing off the poetry walls!! Think I soon need a nap.
Enjoy your day, my new friend!!
xoxooxoxoxxo to all.
On 12 October 2011 at 11:11 am
Hilary said,
Hi Jannie .. certainly a great album cover .. gosh beautiful and so imaginative .. love your words that you’ve put to it ..
Poetry bewitches us away to places unknown .. swirls around and brings us new words, new lines to use ..
Great .. cheers – Hilary oxox
On 12 October 2011 at 11:22 am
Aimee said,
That is some gor-geous album art. It’s something that I miss in these, the digital days of music. I’m glad you were so inspired
On 12 October 2011 at 11:25 am
Jannie said,
Dearest Hilary of my Heart… yep! Billy Collins once wondered in a poem if we would one day come to the end of things to compare to each other for poetry. But today I know the answer is… (and as Dear Liara, you and other fine friends have known for some time…) the combos that swirl us to new dancing shores are as infinite as time, imagination and the gift of knowing YOU!
xoxoxoxoxoo
On 12 October 2011 at 11:30 am
Jannie said,
Dearest Aimee, who lives up to her name… yeah, I like the SIZE of that — what was it J.Geils sang in that tune… and what the heck was that naughty tune in which he sang of how such-and such a measurement of the male anatomy would never fit on that.. was it 9 and 1/2 by 11 inch– record album? By Jove, I think some of it might just have come back to me!!
And that was way TMI, but we WERE on the topic of LP covers…
Anyway… I like how she put the daisies near her highest Chakra. And how she exposed the oil drums.
xoxooxoxoxoxooxxoxo
On 12 October 2011 at 11:31 am
Hilary said,
Hi Jannie .. your words .. “the combos that swirl us to new dancing shores are as infinite as time, imagination and the gift of know each other .. ” – ring a bell .. as I went to a talk on sound and light this a.m. & I need to explore more .. one day. Mum wide awake today and Hardwick by her side .. amazing .. cheers xoxoxo
On 12 October 2011 at 1:58 pm
mrsmediocrity said,
Love love love this! Joni has long been a favorite, but even without that factored in this filled with such great imagery. I think this was my favorite line “ached in tall towers of boredom and bones by day.” Great job!
p.s. I also love, love, love my sidebar button, thank so much!
On 12 October 2011 at 3:06 pm
hedgewitch said,
Jannie, this is charming. I want a rooster like that. All I get around here is crows, and they won’t even do the two step. (The sword dance part was way cool.) Thanks also for posting that album cover–took me back many a year.
On 12 October 2011 at 5:14 pm
Teresa said,
Love the fun in this poem, and I really want to know where you get your morning coffee!
On 12 October 2011 at 7:39 pm
Anna Montgomery said,
Thank you dear heart for your ever so kind words over at my place. A wonderful way to return home from Renaissance choir practice – don’t know if you saw but Victoria returned to reply to your hilarity. Hope you have a lovely rest of your day – sending heaps of smiles, guitar picks, and some extra goodness your way
!
On 12 October 2011 at 10:22 pm
Jannie said,
Dearest Hilary, Hi again!!
Sound and light waves. Sonds very very interesting! Nice to hear about your mom, sounds like a good day. I’m almost to bed now, and you’re fast asleep, byt will be up with your tea rooster as I slumber still.
Ahhh, Dearest Mrs. Mediocrity. Well, your button really pleases ME, and so glad to her it meets with your approval too. Your photo was a shoe-in. I hope it adequately says howyou are so NOT mediocre. You are far far above good.
Hi Hedgewitch, Dearest of course. I knew you were a Joni kinda gal!! I hear some people keeps crows as pets, the one-stepping kind. But their jewelry usually all goes missing.
Hi Dearest Theresa, the coffee I make at home is Altura, Organic. In the green can. Usually, that is. I picked up some Folgers recently. Not so good. Can’t wait to go back to the Cafe Altura — and hopefully the poems will still be inspired.
Hi Dearest Anna, yay — you didn’t think my recent comment at your place were words of a complete NUT!!
Renaissance choir practice — sounds fun, and worthwhile. Are you going to a Ren fair? So glad you told me of Victoria’s reply. I’ll zip on back over as soon as I post this!!! 
Oh, and I NEED those guitar picks — I bought about 20 light pink ones at .25 each a few months ago, and I’m down to only 2 or 3 now, oy.
xoxooxxoxo
On 12 October 2011 at 11:13 pm
Alice Audrey said,
I like the rhythm and feel of this one.
On 13 October 2011 at 2:04 am
SnaggleTooth said,
I never did have that album. Fun, doodly artwork on it- to inspire such a wild rooster word dance.
Thanks for the Good poem
On 13 October 2011 at 2:31 am
Ravenblack said,
A fun poem to read.
Lovely images and clever lines. Trees playing guitars. 
On 13 October 2011 at 7:19 am
James Rainsford said,
What a wonderful weaving of words.
On 13 October 2011 at 4:15 pm
Jannie said,
Where is Jannie today?
Just popping in from her non-blogging adventures.
Jannie will be back here happily later.
xoxoxoxoxo
On 13 October 2011 at 5:26 pm
Sara said,
I loved seeing this album cover again. I remember how it dazzled me as her music moved me.
The poem was a Jannie “magical mystery tour” and I loved it for it’s whimsical feel.
It reminded me of my “flower child” times. We wore our jeans paper thin, our hair long, some with beads woven into it. We believed we had the power to change the world and the songs that would herald the way. We smoked things we shouldn’t have and were wild in ways that would have made our mothers blush. I still have my rose colored glasses. They’re round and the glass doesn’t stay in, but I remember wearing them dancing barefooted with friends in a park, watching a rosy pink world spin.
I thank you for this trip down memory lane for me. AND you know I loved the poem:~)
On 13 October 2011 at 5:57 pm
Jannie said,
Why, thank you dearest Alice Audrey In Montana, in a new house with nice tall windows… I read it again here at Starbucks where there is now nothing in my decaf but cream, sugar and love.
Hey, Snag. Did you have many Joni’s? I know you have ONE Jannie album.
And my second one will be free to YOU of, course. All you sweeties who dipped inot your wallets so sweetly for the first one, will get the second free – autographed, if you wish!!
Hi RavenBlack. Soemtimes I’d rather be Deep And Completely Meaningful than clever, but maybe my next poem will be just that!!
Not disrespect to your kind words, of course — I do appreciate them. But I think I’m ready to go deeply earth-shatteringly amazing with my next poem — one about cats.
Dearest James, woven like Carole King’s “Tapestry?” “Court & Spark?” I wish!! Maybe one day in my songs!! Thank you most humbly and appreciatively…
Sara! I know what you mean — to listen to her AMAZING music while also holding her art in your hands and drinking it all in is heaven!! Magical Mystery Tour.
Yep!! Just call me “Jannie Lennon.” 
Ah, who’s to say we should not smoke stuff???!! A little of what is available in the garden, once in a while, and taken with love. 
And paper thin jeans — sound wonderful, like silk. But the arse would wear out pretty-fast I bet? 
Mine would, knowing how active my behind is with sitting, and such. Which would leave nice spots for big Smiley Face and peace sign patches to sew on!!
xoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
On 14 October 2011 at 11:26 am
Bryce Christiansen said,
Beautiful imagery. I know I probably imagined something different from many other readers, but it was a fascinating story played out in my mind. I pictured the chaos some mornings bring and the energy and motions we go through getting ready for the day and that feeling of fulfillment we have afterwards.
Great read.
Bryce
On 14 October 2011 at 1:08 pm
Patricia of Patricias Wisdom said,
I am so happy that the rooster was not chicken.
Dazzled by your words and Joni Mitchell’s art
It just makes music and the sun break through the clouds
On 14 October 2011 at 2:58 pm
Jannie said,
You got it, Bryce!!!! After the alarm goes off at 6:30, my foggy head gets the pancakes made, the child up and all that goes with her getting on the bus for 7:15. Then I make my coffee. And look out on the day unfolding.
Dearest Patricia — how funny — you were the ONLY commenter who spoke about that line — which is about my favorite in the whole poem! Glad it resonated with you. I imagine it’s the Canadian in you that found it funny.
Ahhh, thanks. If (and when) I meet Joni one day I’ll tell her you like her art on this!! BEen thinking about you a LOT, and hoping you are well.
xooxoxoxox
On 14 October 2011 at 11:30 pm
Jeanne said,
Jannie,
I just love Joni Mitchell but you know what? I love YOU even more!
Jeanne
xoxoxo
On 15 October 2011 at 12:28 pm
Jannie said,
Ahhhhh Jeanne. I wonder if Tori loves Joni too?? I bet she listened much. Probably met, played music with and hung out.
I love both those artists, but you know what????
I love YOU even more!!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
xoxoxoxooxxooxox
xoxoxoxoxoxooxxox
xoxoxoxooxoxoxoxo
xooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoox
On 17 October 2011 at 3:27 am
Curiosity – patriciaswisdom.com said,
[...] And the Rooster crowing. [...]
On 17 October 2011 at 9:53 am
Terrill Welch said,
Jannie, so glad I found you through Patricia’s wisdom blog this morning. You drink the same kind of coffee as I do. It is a rare brand but very sustaining. I looked for a subscribe button and couldn’t find it so will add you to my blogroll instead. You are a perfect Creative Potager connection. Best of today to you!
On 17 October 2011 at 10:14 am
Jannie said,
Well hi, darlin’ Patricia! What have you got going on over there in Wise land today??
I’ll have to check and see. And I see you sent Terrill Welch over here…
HI Terrill!! What has Patricia got going on over there? I’ll have to see!! “a rare but sustaining brand of coffee..” I LOVE your words!! Yes, I should get my subscribe button back up. Looking forward to checking out the Potager connection indeed!!
xoxoxoxoxoxo
On 24 October 2011 at 10:54 pm
Alice Audrey said,
Yep, tall windows, and now kitties.
On 26 October 2011 at 4:14 pm
Jannie said,
Hi Alice Audrey. I WANT your tall windows!!
xoxo
On 27 October 2011 at 10:14 pm
Margaret said,
Great word play… and I’m thinking you put more than cream in your morning coffee!
On 27 October 2011 at 10:23 pm
Jannie said,
Dearest Margaret.
That seems to be the over-riding opinion on my coffee indeed. 
Always wonderful to “see” you here.
xoxoxoxoxo
On 30 October 2011 at 2:06 pm
Heather said,
Wonderful!! Love the poetry and the pictures. This is the kind of coffee I can have in the afternoon and not get jitters and still get to sleep!
On 31 October 2011 at 10:02 am
Jannie said,
Hey, Hey, Hey, MY dearest lovely Heather.
Guess what I’m doint this morning? Sitting close to my space heater under a fuzzy blanket, drinking ocffee and writing lyrics to “Hope You Found A Better Way.” Tidying up a few lines with paper and pen.
I oughta write MORE poems like this!!!
xoxoxoxoxooxo