OUR TOWNS: Detroit Lakes

Ten O’Clock Coffee

By James O. Ramstad,
Detroit Lakes, MN

Each weekday morn about at ten
The Main Street holds some older men
Who gather in its southeast space
To voice a viewpoint face to face.

The coffee, soda pop and tea
Conjoins the numbers game to see
What minion lacking fortune‚s smile
Must pay the price for luck so vile.

The many separate tete-a-tetes
Occurring round the table great
Bespeak their authors’ inmost views
From global strife to local news.

Unanimity is rare
Each one’s outlook will be shared
With those who then are seated near
Those at a distance cannot hear.

The grouping is of no effect,
It only serves to help collect
The little coinage marked for tips,
Reports of meeting, ills and trips.

This congregate we celebrate,
Long may it meet to ruminate
On many things of varied worth
That decorate our time on earth.