Hot water screaming,
scalding tea leaves
and rose petals, penetrating
cell walls, distilling
essences and fragrance.
Raw sugar spills
from silver moon,
swirling with celestial
bodies,
sweetening antioxidants.
Cold milk calms
the ancient frenzy,
pours down
a cool balm
to soothe the assaulted
blossoms.
From cup to lips,
a ceremony of sips
and sighs.
Erin Olson is a counselor, parent coach, poet, and gardener. She lives in Shorewood, WI with her husband, son, cat, and an ever-growing variety of plant species.