Poetry & Coffee: A Recipe for Fika

Fika is a Swedish term for having coffee, frequently with some sweet dessert, and often with colleagues, friends, or family. I’ve loved this idea ever since I first heard of it, and this year I’ve started my own variation: poetry fika, in which your coffee break date is actually a poet, speaking to you through words on a page.

So far, it has proved good for the spirit. Now I’d like to recommend it to you!

If you like poetry at ALL, in any form, give this little ritual a try. It’s a great way to slow down and slip a little intellectual leisure into your day.

You will need:

• 1 book of poetry*
• 1 cup of coffee**
• 15-30 minutes
• cup warmer (optional)
• something sweet (optional)

My particular ritual is to brew some flavored black coffee from Mystic Monk, or occasionally Barry’s Tea with milk. Then I’ll sit down at the kitchen table by the window, set my mug on a warmer, get myself a couple of biscuits or another sweet, and open a book of poetry. Instead of picking something at random, I’ll read front to back — often aloud — and bookmark anything I really like with post-its. Some days I read only a few poems, other days several pages’ worth.

That’s it! Very relaxing, caffeine jitters aside.

Other variations of the poetry fika:

(*) What Poetry Book to Choose

I prefer small, aesthetically pleasing volumes from one poet, simply because it adds to the atmosphere. 😉 Recently, for example, I finished a leatherbound copy of selected Emily Dickinson poems.

However, you may also want to choose a book with selections from multiple poets. Then you’d enjoy a variety of styles, and perhaps you could focus on a different poet’s work each time. You might even choose to forgo books altogether and print out some gems on the Internet!

Whatever works for you, whatever poet you’re drawn to, read it.

(I think I’m going to read Robert Frost next, but I’m also looking for a good collection of W. B. Yeats!)

(**) Coffee or Tea?

Though the word fika refers to a coffee break, tea is also a good idea. Nay, more!

Tea is ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA.

(Especially when those caffeine jitters start defeating the purpose…)

How to Read Poetry

Read silently — or read aloud. Read quickly — or linger. It’s up to you.

I tend to read aloud and linger, going over the lines multiple times if they seem particularly delicious. On the other hand, if a poem doesn’t interest me, I’ll skip right to the next one.

**

Give it a try, and let me know which poet you’re going to read first!