TEA HAIKU

morning chill-
China cup with steaming
chrysanthemum tea

tropical hillside-
women in colorful saris
picking the tea




yerba mate-
drinking with friends from
a hollow gourd




graceful maiko-
the ivory tea scoop
in gloved hands




Grand bazaar-
the rug seller offers
hot apple tea




Siberian night-
using dry pinecones
for the samovar




desert moonlight-
camels and bedouins around
the tea kettle




Tibetan monastery-
sipping butter tea from
wooden bowls




airline service-
tea from plastic carafe
no sugar tong




dog days-
supermarkets ran out
of iced tea




Elena Malec