“a shared cup” first we sit place coats on backs of chairs make ourselves comfortable as we ease into place talking of nothing we let the tea steep boiling water unfurls dried leaves full green tips unfold their agony within their porcelain prison unleashing hidden flavors they release the scent of Indian soil beneath brilliant burning suns the shared story of mankind sits between us bequeathed by queens and kings, smugglers and emperors, peasant monks, campfire caravans, and rebels that sparked revolution with midnight revels each fragile china cup contains a common history: tales of blood and war served with sweetly savored cakes to balance bitterness we savor this small oasis in time thirst for more than mere water this still and quiet refuge made precious by its rarity in our swift flowing universe steam rises between us our tongues release with gentle practice we speak more deeply with time and space enough to breathe each sip a shared communion.
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I know that last week I said I was switching to mostly current events and writing prompts, but I wanted to share this newly finished poem with you as soon as possible!
Next Friday, I’ll also post on my Patreon. If you’d like to read about my progress and plans for this year, as well as craft tips, you can subscribe to my Patreon and support my work for just $1 a month! Until next time, stay safe and well, and read often!
Cat Russell 