Pu'er

She became bitter 
like tea steeped too long, 
the water too hot for her delicacy.

At once it scalded,
burned up inside
and almost too much to bear.

The agony of her leaves
as they unfolded,
giving up pieces of herself
time and time again.

flavoring others’ lives
with sweet and savor, 

warmth and comfort
anything she had

everything
everything
E v e r y t h i n g

Until all left was the hard bite

of astringency
her leaves sodden, 
limp and depleted

all her hints and notes 
swirling about her
by their lonesome.

No golden honey or crystal of sugar
or pure decadency of creme,
to blend with her to
Heal the stinging virulence,
offered up in return.

Her water cooled to a murky cloud
reddened brown and black 
like clay left to dry out 

crumble

alone in the hot sun 

like letters of love
that once held meaning
but now tossed aside 

the passion gone
the fever gone

useless words that will soon be dust
and thickened parts of hearts.

Left unattended
steeping Alone
not a one to enjoy her All
or sweeten up her Own.

Author's Note

Pu'er is a variety of fermented dark tea that is common in China and created through a complex process of gradual maturation. The true black tea --Western "black tea" is actually called "red tea" in China.

Reviews

[Olivia]

This is a very powerful poem. I admire your ability to take something that appears regular and make it very complex.
Nice job!

[Daniel Dunlap]

This is extremely impressive. I especially loved the wordplay at the end. I can't offer much advice because there's nothing that I would change about it. Great job!

[A Glow in the Pit of My Soul]

Thank you! I somehow missed this comment. I appreciate the kind words very much!