Camellia Sinensis Love Song

Clippers trade opium for a cargo of tea.
The leaves are no longer scarce.
The words of the sages swirl in the pot:

"The nearer to God, the harder the hurt"
and the sunshine seems painful; too close
as it drips through the tea room window.

Your buttermilk hands are flushed
as they pick at the wishbone handle
you hook with one clever finger.
It is happening all over again
that falling-in-love thing
and afternoon tea.