Ode To Tea Poem by john tiong chunghoo

tea, it is best to taste
the new sprouts
fresh, tender, velvet
sacred inches of yellow green
that smile to the new day and
invite us with open arms
to be picked and savoured

sealed within each new leaf
are the glitter of health enhancing first light,
intellectual infusion of the moon
invigorating mountain air and
the subtle rejuvenating energy of dew

tea, inches of nature's best
blends in spirit with spring water
to shower us with a sparkling tonic
so that we too can be charming
and refreshing as young tea leaves