The taste of presence

magazine asked me to contribute an article for this autumn issue — but, first, I need a coffee. This is a habit, but also a reliable creative-writing technique. The ritual of turning on the machine, warming up my cup and grinding my beans — all with the accompanying buzzes and whirrs and the aroma of the ground coffee — set the scene. Like packing a bag before a holiday, I am preparing myself for the day ahead, and starting to feel hopeful. And then, oh joy! As I take my first few sips, my taste buds relish the full-bodied, bittersweet flavour and, mere moments later, my mind appears brighter. I am in an altered state of consciousness — a delightfully legal one — and I feel more confident and enthusiastic. Words