Coffee on Main - By Tenille Petersen

Written By: Tenille Petersen

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Introducing "Coffee on Main," a captivating poem by Tenille Petersen, known by her writing name Coffee on Main. This entry in the Poetry category for the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 invites readers to reflect on themes of change and personal growth. Petersen's work explores the journey from comfort to transformation, using the metaphor of coffee and Chai Tea to symbolize the shifts in life and perspective.

About the Work

"Coffee on Main" weaves a narrative that delves into the comfort of routine and the courage required to embrace change. With vivid imagery and reflective prose, Petersen draws readers into a sensory experience. The transition from coffee to Chai Tea symbolizes a broader journey of self-discovery and acceptance, encouraging readers to face the unknown with an open heart.

Coffee on Main

Original Submission by Tenille Petersen

Are you a coffee lover?

Have you always been?

Come here... Come closer; I want to tell you something.

I've discovered Chai Tea... Shhhhh!!

Inhaling the indigenous scent of coffee floating in the atmosphere.

Shoulders dropped.

Firm posture.

Head slightly tilted backwards and eyes gently shut.

Enjoying the scent of a warm welcome; the scent of pure satisfaction.

It was always the same spot, almost like it expected her arrival each time.

Table prepared and ready to be served.

She politely sat down and placed her order.

Due to expectation and a wild comfort zone,

Subconsciously created on her behalf.

Raised eyebrows, dropped jaws and a pinch in an inward neck movement.

Quite fascinating to watch!

How ironic it is for such priceless reactions?

Change is something we don't easily adjust to.

Change is the only consistent thing in life.

Why do we shy away from it? You know why?

Because you're scared of the unknown.

Soo... You're comfortable with ordering a coffee every time huh?

I see you...

She switched it up a couple of notches.

She ordered a Vanilla Chai Tea with milk.

To the waitors surprise, he placed her, oh so different order; very eagerly.

The order this time around was a direct reflection of the beginning stages of a transition.

He walked away and smiled.

In total awe she was.

Starring out the window, watching all the traffic on main;

With the biggest smile on her face.

She always knew that someday

Her digestive system will reject all the coffee she had been consuming.

Her body became so immune to coffee that it started tasting different.

The side effects didn't do her any good so she placed a different order.

An order she was so open to and received well.

Change will come when the pain of staying the same is worse than the pain of change.

How long do you plan on sipping that coffee for?

All those empty buckets of hope you're sitting on...

Get off my dear.

Stand to your feet and make the change your heart desires.

The fear of the unknown only leads to confusion.

Sometimes it seems like our world is turned upside down.

With all the changes and clearing that is going on.

You may ask yourself who you are and what your purpose is.

You thought you already knew that but then everything changes again.

Part of your purpose is to change yourself.

To let go of everything that is not yours, so you can finally be who you really are.

Change is constant.

It is inevitable.

Embrace it, don't fight it.

Fighting for something alone will only drive you bonkers.

It will leave you questioning your self-worth,

Wondering where you went wrong when it wasn't about you to begin with.

Let go and make peace with the fact that opening the grip of your hand on anything

Will only set you free.

It will bring upon awareness that it’s okay to walk away,

It is okay to let go, it’s okay to break down

And start building again.

It is okay to give up the coffee you believed in and thought you'd always feel good sipping on.

Let it go!

Change your order!

Leave it to the ones who are immune to bitter coffee.

The order I place now is Vanilla Chai Tea with milk.

I find it light, sweeter and pleasant for the response of my entire being.

Chai Tea changed everything for me.

I met ME, on main...

All Over Again.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates literary talent from around the world. This esteemed event serves as a platform for writers to share their voices, ideas, and creativity, fostering a global community of artists and enthusiasts. Participants explore diverse themes, showcasing their unique perspectives and narrative styles.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Tenille Petersen for her engaging and thought-provoking poem, "Coffee on Main." Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the tapestry of voices contributing to this vibrant celebration of literary artistry.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.