There is a Dish Towel

snow white and easy to bleach

next to the drying rack

next to our kitchen sink

my coffee pot stands next

to the rack and towel

the towel is for overflow

dishes to dry when the rack is full

my wife bought a pack

of twelve or so

and I fold one in half

and lay it on the counter.

Every morning I make my coffee

and until this morning

I am careful to work

 on the counter

and try to avoid getting coffee

on the white towel.

But this morning, I realized,

the stains come out with bleach

and though I cannot tell you why

settling my mug

into the soft towel,

instead of the bare counter

and not worrying

if a spill a few drops

feels like so much luxury

I cannot contain

the pleasure of pouring my coffee

in my softly padded cup.