time

WHEN TIME
WAS NOT
A CLOCK DIAL

Once long ago before now
My favorite ritual
Tea
In
A
Pot

A teapot so tactile
Every touch seemed to evoke
An image of an ancient earth goddess
Pregnant with anticipation
As a kettle boiled
Releasing steam unto the heavens

A lid
Lifted
An empty vessel hollow with desire
Tea leaves tumbled downwards
Into the rich brown earthen ware
Frothing and spitting
An aroma given
Renewed life

Nostrils sweetly inhaled
As a teaspoon began to circle
The inside of the pot
The lid returned to its heart
Three turns to right
One turn to the left
Time slowed to the point of wait

A open beak of porcelain
Rose into the sunlight
Turned downwards
Into an empty white pool
Surround by a moat

A sepia tide streamed through
Down into the empty pool
A moment passed
Milk flowed
Changing seasons in the pool
Until autumn true

A finger curling of mist
Rose up into the sunlight
Where lips tenderly kissed
The porcelain cup’s edge

A savoring taste
Hands upon a wooden breast
The teapot at rest
The ritual at an end
Once long ago before now