chai

chai tea bags arrive

a wished for surprise 

hidden in the grocery order

deep in a bag

under the fresh produce

the long awaited prize awaits 

you gaze with momentary disbelief 

the truth of its presence startles you

reality sets in

joy floods over you

you lift the box up

cradle it

turn it over and over

you plant a kiss on its side

in your mind you take an inventory

you count the number of tea bags

twenty plus six in the pantry

your heart soars

once again a pungent spicy brew

will pass your lips

you begin preparations 

how easy 

two tea bags

add hot water

steep

streamlined 

practical

the embodiment of simplicity and

ease but you hesitate

instead

you take out your favorite mug

measure out loose Assam

add your own spice blend of

cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, anise, fennel and black pepper

the one you researched and devised

you add hot water

immerse your creation

cover it

steep it

a worthy drink

well done

satisfaction now savored

©Karen Casady2020