THE TEA PARTY

A pot of tea is shared in old Cairo

By wise men who knew the old Pharaoh.

They set a fine table beside the road

The trinity of Jesus, Muhammad, and Moses.

Tired of witnessing the countless hordes

That turned holy books into swords.

Tired of death in their collective name

They sip their tea and bear the shame.

For the sake of love they have surrendered talk

Choosing chado and silent walks.

They call the faithful to do the same

And offer tea in love’s holy name.

Toasting they refill their cups

“To the holy one that fills us up.”

No defense of truth is needed

When for love’s sake they have all ceded.

—Becca Stevens