I started as a seed,
but grew
into
a beautiful green leaf.
I had the belief
one day they would pick me
with my relations from plantations
that lie on distant Eastern slopes,
and in my hopes
of a Confucian solution
to my fateful days,
through sways
of green, the dream
turned to reality
as I was plucked away
bagged
tagged
boxed, shipped West
at your humble request,
to meditate, sedate
in your kitchen cupboard,
above the washboard
waiting
anticipating enlightenment. Now,
be it Buddha or the Holy Cow
I have achieved the perceived
Nirvana!

Through my silent mantra
comes light;
tonight you’ve set me free,
into water you drop me;
swilling,
spilling,
swirling in your cosmic cup
you lift me up
to lips that sip.
As I float, inside this bag I steam;
Is this a tea fuelled dream
I’m crafting, through wafting
my aroma amid wind from your great mouth?

Your nose
sniffing; am I uplifting?
They say I’m full of
antioxidants
beneficial to your health;
great architect of my being
I’m feeling
rather proud - but wait!
What’s this?

- Now you’ve finished supping
you toss me from your cup
into the depths
of some darkened
Karmic dustbin;
Is my next life on the heap
of some rotting pile of compost;

no more a beautiful green leaf?