Tea is My Liquid Reprieve
In praise of the ancient beverage
Tea was discovered by accident four thousand years ago. A tea leaf fell from a wild tree into Chinese Emperor Shennong's hot water. Intrigued by the refreshing taste, he continued to produce the beverage and introduced his new concoction to others.
But I don't have to wait for a tea leaf to fall into my tea. Instead, I can drop a teabag into hot water, hold a warm teacup in my hands, and watch the steam rise. Its aroma nurtures me and makes subtle changes in how I see the world as the warm liquid eases down my throat.
My mind gains more clarity, and whatever I am doing at that moment, especially after I prepare a cup of matcha, seems to flow more naturally.
On cold winter mornings, a cup of tea takes away the chill. But it does something more profound — it helps me to transcend the worries I might have. It speaks to me in fragrant whispers. Saying its names are soothing — Jasmine, Sencha, Chai, and Chamomile. And sometimes, I imagine myself drinking tea in a Japanese garden surrounded by star magnolia. The garden overlooks a pond of koi and, in the distance, the snowy mountain peaks.
I take slow, mindful sips, acknowledging the tea's flavor mixed with honey and lemon. I don't gulp or hurry but pace myself. At that moment, nothing is as essential as consuming this warm liquid. It stabilizes me — adds a quiet balance to my uncertainty.
The tiny, delicate tea leaves are harvested by careful hands and dried by attentive minds in a far-off country. Tea quiets my restlessness and lessens my anxiety.
After a hot cup of tea, I stop rushing through my day and become more aware of where I am and what I'm doing. As a result, I am more in tune with my needs and priorities.
Tea Poems have been with us since the dawn of drinking tea. Here's one of mine.
My Liquid Reprieve
one cup of tea is a liquid reprieve
a passing butterfly
a hummingbird flutter
a garden full of star magnolia
a taste that does not deceive — it brings a message from the deliverer of peace — tea’s special favors
a spoon of honey, a loved one who gives me her hand, an old guru who shares his wisdom in a time of uncertainty
each drop, and tender sip, brings a moment of change
© 2022 Mark Tulin
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