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Amber Balm

Stirring My Tea 12-22-23 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Amber Balm Evening settles into an overstuffed ebony chair, No longer pacing in little anxious circles Nor scurrying into hollow spaces, As slivers of silver peek through turbulent Fists of the morning’s frost To measure tea leaves Into a china pot from tea parties Long ago far away, And birth in steaming water The copper kettle’s legacy, An amber balm from leaves of tumult As a fragrant salve exhales weariness, Or celebrates with the smile of the soul, Then strains away any bitterness To sip serenity Bathed in sweet exotic scents, Remembering to welcome home more cups of tea When twilight grows weary.

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Bj Legros Kelley

Date: 1/6/2024 12:33:00 AM

Very comfortable poem Sam. I enjoy tea as well, peppermint, lavendar and rose petal are my favorites, they bring me clarity and comfort. Christmas season is so busy, it is now time to relax and rest awhile. Happy new year to you and yours, may it bring many blessings your way <3

Sotto Poet

Date: 12/30/2023 1:25:00 PM

I like this poem, dear Sam! I especially enjoy drinking herbal teas. The way the poem describes making tea is really good. It shows a moment of calmness, thinking, and feeling cozy. The words used in this poem paint a positive picture in the mind and make feel peaceful. My very best wishes to you and yours for the new year 2014

Paige Hind

Date: 12/27/2023 8:11:00 PM

Such loveliness.... a pleasure!

Len Gasun

Date: 12/25/2023 9:18:00 PM

Another gorgeous poem shared by one of my favorite poets. Thanks my dearest poet friend Sam! I love this a lot. BOL in the contest although I know this will score high. May I greet you a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to come! God bless you and your family/loved ones always. Hugs

Judy Ball

Date: 12/25/2023 2:39:00 AM

Lovely Sam. I do love my tea and must drink gallons of it. Mostly herbal teas. The description here s great. Exactly how I feel with a warm cup of tea in the morning after a nice bath or after work. Good Stuff. God Bless and Merry Christmas, JB

Sam Kauffman
Date: 12/26/2023 8:23:00 PM

Thank you so much, Judy! There is something very special about tea any time. So refreshing and so healing! A perfect invitation to exhale! I love the aroma of tea and the soothing taste - so refreshing! Raising my cup in gratitude. Blessings of joy for your Chrismas season

Charles Messina

Date: 12/24/2023 9:15:00 AM

Simply lovely, Sam. BOL in the contest. Merry Christmas to you and yours, Charlie

Sam Kauffman
Date: 12/24/2023 9:26:00 AM

Thank you so much, Charlie! What a lovely message to find this morning - like a steaming cup of amber refreshment! So grateful for your good wishes. Merry Christmas to you. Sending you blessings of joy and peace.

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 12/23/2023 10:00:00 PM

Sam, your poem evokes such pleasant and peaceful moments at home, with the simple joys of preparing and drinking tea. This is a fave.

Tom Woody

Date: 12/23/2023 5:58:00 AM

There must be a tea contest going on, I've read several tea poems of late lol. You really create a mood with this gem. Makes a fella wanna share a cuppa. Relaxing

Silent One

Date: 12/23/2023 5:44:00 AM

Hey Sam.. Your poem successfully captures a moment of stillness, reflection, and comfort through the act of making tea. The language is both descriptive and evocative, creating a serene atmosphere that resonates with readers who appreciate the beauty in everyday rituals.. Your words encourage a mindful appreciation of the present and an openness to welcoming comfort in the face of weariness.. Lovely read.. Have a nice holiday..

Hiya Sharma

Date: 12/23/2023 4:29:00 AM

Gosh, this poem brought a profound wave of serenity on the seashore of my heart & then echoed in a beautiful scent of soothing aura.. This gives me a reflection of embracing those precious little moments until life is truly breathing its 'liveliness' .. caressing every moment of peace and remembering them especially 'when the twilight grows weary "..Such a breathtaking write, dear Sam. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this exquisite wordsmithery you've presented here. A FAV for me truly, impeccable!

Hilo Poet

Date: 12/23/2023 2:53:00 AM

What an appropriate title, Sam. My red chair I believe it's very ebony now. Oh, yeah, tea parties, I remember being taken hostage a couple of times, but I got my revenge as the new sheriff in Vegas Caesars Palace when my hostage sat to watch the fights with me. Well, I'm heading home after the hospital releases me before the holidays as promised--literally. After nearly a year with 90% of my abilities recuperation with continued home care. Mele Kalikimaka a Hau'oli Maka Hiki Hou 2024. Aloha, Wil

Ink Empress

Date: 12/22/2023 9:24:00 PM

Ah you’ve been writing alot sweet sam! And this one made me feel calm and has a soothing effect really! Your way with weaving words in a manner that truly connects with readers is what makes your poem stand out! I especially love the silver sliver line, i always find those two words so creative when put together in a line, i think this fits the tea prompt very well. “ To sip serenity Bathed in sweet exotic scents,” ah what a way to describe tea time bathed in exotic scents! This is a FAVE

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 12/22/2023 5:34:00 PM

an awesome write for the contest. I especially liked these words: To sip serenity Bathed in sweet exotic scents. Best wishes with the contest, Sara

Sam Kauffman
Date: 12/22/2023 9:13:00 PM

Hi Sara! So happy to share a cup of Christman tea with you. Thank you for your lovely message and feedback. This contest brought back so many tea related memories but my favorite is sharing tea with my aunt in the evening. Sharing a cup of tea with a friend is a unique and very special bonding experience. A blessing indeed. Sending you Christman blessings of joy!!

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 12/22/2023 3:03:00 PM

A fave for me! Each line a savoring surprise! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sam Kauffman
Date: 12/22/2023 9:05:00 PM

Thank you so much, Kim! Your fav such a nice honor. This contest theme brought back so many after dinner tea memories with my aunt. Very special memories. Very special beverage! Sending blessings and a cup of Christmas tea.