Tea

The leaf, the steam, the tree. Shiny leaves,

Reaching up toward the sun,

An ancient brew that calms the mind.

Boiling water, the aroma of health

The wind blowing the tea leaves,

Melding them into the water.

Emperor Shennog proclaims

He has found the fountain of youth

The philosopher Lazoi, wisely

Put it as "the froth of liquid jade."

A Buddhist master meditating,

In a silent slumber.

His concentration -- broken,

In his own disgrace

He removes the coverings of his eyes.

His eyelids give birth

To the green bushes of life.

The bush, the twigs, the buds,

To the island near the Ring of Fire

Eisai, the Zen priest

Spread it as a gift

To the gentry and warriors

Who protect the borders.

The cultivation, the flushes, the oxidation,

A special tradition for Korea-the royal family,

The privilege of the "Special Tea Rite,"

Revered monks offer the special brew

To appease the gods.

Black, Oolong, Green, White,

As I sit here, sipping the sunset calm.

My body relaxes

As the ancient brew swirls in the air.