Sereni-tea

Penetrating heat soaks into the bones

Of my fingers, clasped around the roundness of

The porcelain coffee mug between my palms.

I hold a cup of peace and stillness,

A silent and full-bodied prayer.

The world pauses and waits for me:

I inhale the life of the plants

Picked, dried, imported, brought to my kitchen,

And brewed.
This ancient tradition

Can now be enjoyed with just

Two minutes in the microwave

And a pre-packaged tea bag.

What is so special about this ritual?
Why, in an age of sterile skepticism,

Materialism, and spiritual apathy,

Do we still enjoy bewitching brews?

Because it’s magic.

I’ll put on the kettle and we can talk about it.