How to Drink Tea
For Audrey Boil the water. Listen to the roiling tempest as it builds in the kettle. Hold the back of your hand against the kettle’s hard surface and wait to feel the warmth on your skin. Pour the water slowly into your best mug, the one too big for its coaster, and watch the water turn black, the colour of tea leaves. Wait for the steam to hit your face, smell the subtle aromas of sunrise and awakening. Set the mug beside your work. Let it cool. Let it cool. Let it cool. Sunrise can be harsh, melting your tongue if you fly too close, too eager to wake. Send word to a friend, reminding her to sip from her own best mug, urging patience while the tea cools, but…