These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Redondilla: "Shocked, but Soothing"

Little leaves of tea are shocked through,
soothing to the heart, that needs peace.
Find a place to sit, sip, release.
It warms the core while warming you.

The field in which you fully grew,
filled with goodness, that did not cease
with wondrous breath, and rain's caprice
fell dark with picker's work to do.

Quite shoved in bags, in planes you flew
to aid some human's forehead crease.
Responsibilities each piece
makes days of humans stand askew.

Heat the kettle till's steam beaucoup
doth make the water full cerise.
Rooibos falls over cup's mouthpiece.
Red tea's herbal joy is its due.

Will is not a tea's trait so true.
The leaves know pain. Flavors release.
Sipping it slow, the humans know peace.
Savor the moment when you're through.

by Jay O’Toole
on August 15th, 2024