Hot Tea

A little poem by Anne took me on a journey back in time, to my grandparents' farm, and a hot cup of tea on a cold morning

Frozen boots crunching on creaky snow,
Fingers tingling from the cold,
Cheeks red, stinging,
Nose burning from the frigid air coming in,
Nostrils dripping, wiping
With the back of the scratchy wool mitten
My chores are done

Eggs are all  gathered, chickens are fed
Milk carried in a huge stainless steel pail to the shed
Cows driven to the hay yard
A new bucket of cold, clear water drawn
I walk through the verandah
And into the kitchen

Wood stove crackling and spitting
Its heat filling the room with a welcoming warmth
On the table a plate stacked high with fresh baked bread
Jam made of the strawberries from this summer's garden
Butter that I churned myself on a plate
And a mug of strong black tea
Waiting on the table for me
Add the milk, and sugar, plus one more when her back is turned
I grasp the mug with my frozen hands,
Warming them, my nose buried in the steam rising from it
Breathing in the aroma
My chores are done.

Author's Note

My favorite tea was the strong black tea my grandmother would serve me on a cold winter day after I came in from doing farm chores. Lots of sugar, milk, and a thick slice of her home made bread, with butter and strawberry jam on the side. I would wrap my hands around the cup to warm them, and breath in the steam and aroma.

Reviews

[Nonnye]

Outstanding! You painted a complete picture of a winter day and the comforts of home. Good Poetry has got to make me see, hear, feel and smell. This captured it all. (almost made me taste the tea). Thanks for posting this. (Great read for this winter evening.

[NoelHC]

Thank you very much for the kind words.

[Dannyisawriter]

Great poem and I love tea :)

[NoelHC]

Thank you!

[loverofpoetry7]

Wow this is a perfect poem. I felt as if I was right there feeling every line. Outstanding job. And I love the author's note you added. Something about grandma's tea. I live with my grandma as you know and we have tea a lot together. Such special times and memories. Great writing.

[NoelHC]

Isn't it fascinating how smells or tastes can take us back in time so easily. Thanks for stopping by.

[Tash Hill]

I really enjoyed this. It brings forth remembered times spent when everything is finished and a short amount of time is spent just . . . being. It is so simple, but the imagery and emotions attached make it denser than first assumed.

[NoelHC]

Thank you Tash, I am pleased you enjoyed this little memory.

[Pryde Foltz]

My dear, Noel, you make hard work and cold mornings seem tempting. You need to stop that … lol … no a really enchanting write … so much so I am going to read it again.

[NoelHC]

This weekend I bought a book of cowboy poetry, many of them are similar to this, and it has me reflecting on those experiences when I was a kid. I have a few ideas for more poems based on those times, appearing at a WC near you soon. Thank you for reading.

[Pryde Foltz]

I'll keep my Big Sky blues peeled:)

[Mila]

I second that cold, and I felt it too! I liked this one, really job! :)

[NoelHC]

Thank you Mila, much appreciated.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I've always felt I was meant to live on a farm. How I love your descriptions, Noel, and the palpable feelings you've offered your reader!

[NoelHC]

Thank you Kelly, I am pleased that you felt it.

[ron]

Now this is something everyone should experience at least once in their life.
I could feel the warmth of the stove, the smell of the wood burning, and the smell of fresh backed bread. Thank you Noel.

[NoelHC]

I was fortunate to have spent many years visiting my grandparents' farm, and experienced that on numerous occasions. I have some poems and stories brewing about those days that I want to write about. Thanks for the kind words.

[ron]

Its a great poem with the Holidays coming up.

[jjwilbourne]

This one is awesome! I love the visual elements. I can see and smell it. I can even feel the warmth of returning inside from a cold winter morning. Excellent work.

[NoelHC]

Thanks JJW, I am pleased I painted a picture you could relate to in this little reminiscence.

[Bright Ocean Star]

Noel, I love this poem. You transported us with you to your grandmother's kitchen so perfectly. I could almost smell the homemade bread and the scent of freshly brewed strong black tea rising from the cup. Awesome write!

[NoelHC]

Thanks for your kind words, I appreciate you reading this.

[AprilRN1210]

awwwww, Noel!! this one is so endearing, so sweet.. the imagery is so vivid.. you always do so well with heartfelt, and descriptions.. this one is a magical mix that has my heart and my head in nostalgic heaven right now.. I adore this one!! one of my absolute favorites of yours!! beautiful sir... absolutely beautiful..

[NoelHC]

I always know where the mushy spot is, don't I? So pleased you liked this one, thanks for checking it out.

[AprilRN1210]

you dang well do know where my mushy spot is, and back away slowly mister!! always a pleasure:)

[NoelHC]

Hmm, I might have to write a little ditty about Mississippi and touch on ALL the good stuff about it, you will be a quivering mess!

[AprilRN1210]

hey hey!! be nice!! lol