There's just something
About tea
That makes me forever
Appreciate it
The aroma of spearmint
As it wafts around
The dim, humid kitchen
On a cold autumn evening
The spicy tingle of ginger
Laced with lemon
As it embraces my senses
The morning before the midterms
The zest of green tea
Bringing with it the richness of Japanese culture
Side by side on the table
With rolls of delicate bento
Devoured over hours of endless conversation
And tinted with sarcasm
The explosion of pomegranate
And blueberry
In a tight tangle
Of flavor
As the fingers of steam
Curl around my conscience
And chase away my fears
At those moments
Of confession
And the simple
Bland
And friendly taste of
Black breakfast tea
Every single day
As it greets me
Sugarless
But strong
Every three hours
Before dawn.