Tea
for Thich Nhat Hanh
How many years of suffering
revealed in hands like his
small and deliberate as a child's
revealed in hands like his
small and deliberate as a child's
The way he raises them
from his lap, grasps the teacup
with sure, unhurried ease
from his lap, grasps the teacup
with sure, unhurried ease
Yet full of anticipation
for what he will taste in each sip
he drinks as if it's his first time
for what he will taste in each sip
he drinks as if it's his first time
Lifts the cup to his mouth,
a man who's been practicing all his life,
each time tasting something new.
a man who's been practicing all his life,
each time tasting something new.
~ Amy Uyematsu ~
(Stone Bow Prayer)