Tea is an invitation to take refuge
from the violence and vulnerability
poured out by the world.
She shelters us in leaves
steeped to soothe souls
with warm kisses.
Her aroma cradles us in
timeless dreams.
She is the ancient of days,
born by the tree of life.
She dined with Eve as the first sun set.
She is the harbinger of truth
whose hand-picked leaves
teach us how injustice is fed
on the bosom of poverty.
She is wisdom that incites
revolution and draws
enemies to treaties.
She has been worshiped
in rites that have bound and
freed generations.
She is universal,
born from a single leaf.
Her haloed cup is a sanctuary
for our thirst that longs
to love tenderly
with revived hearts.
—Becca Stevens