Rd Mcmanes Poet Narrative

Cup of Tea

Sometimes I drink tea to remember
fingertips crushing the dried leaves.
I never measure the amount,
adding pinches as I feel the need. 

I let the kettle whistle,
moments rising above its sound
merging in clouds of steam.

I pour the water slowly,
always stopping at half a cup.
Swirl the wetted leaves gently
careful not to breach the rim.

I like to let the leaves settle
before adding more water,
an acquired ritual I confess
though the reason escapes me.

I never take a sip,
not as long as I can see bottom.
Tea should be strong and fragrant,
something to fully savor
as if taste could be a sin.

Places, people, and even dreams,
swirling in sloshing currents
of freshly poured tea
and I remember each memory
from cup to cup.

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Darlene De Beaulieu July 11, 2018 at 6:19 PM Hello R. D. McManes I enjoy a cup of tea at noon and in the early evening. Then I have a cup of sleepy tea before i go to bed. have a nice evening my friend. Rd Mcmanes August 5, 2018 at 9:26 AM Thank you Darlene, my apologies on the late reply. I don't drink much tea now as coffee is my drink of choice but when in Europe, it's back to tea. RD

Lyric Man July 10, 2018 at 1:14 PM RD.. Welcome to Poetry Soup! You're going to love it here. Read and comment on others poets writes and they will do the same for you.. I may have already commented on your poetry! Take a minute to come check out my latest write. Looking forward to reading more of your work!

Lyric Man July 8, 2018 at 11:48 AM Hi RD.. I really enjoyed reading your poetry today. Thank you so much for posting your creative write! Rd Mcmanes August 5, 2018 at 9:27 AM Thank you Lyric Man, been out of pocket for almost a month so apologize for the late reply.

Barry Stebbings July 7, 2018 at 4:14 PM Very evocative of a time when older Aunts made tea in china tea pots decorated with cottages or flowers. Thanks for the memory. // Barry. Rd Mcmanes July 7, 2018 at 5:12 PM Thank you Barry for reading and commenting.

Jan Allison July 7, 2018 at 4:06 PM I use tea bags nowadays but if I do get some loose tea i will try your pinch and swirl method:-) I especially love that final stanza:-) hugs Jan xx Rd Mcmanes July 7, 2018 at 5:13 PM Thank you Jan, something I picked up in Europe in the early eighties.