Spilling Tea
By Emilee Friend
They gossip
As I sip earl grey.
No sugar is added
To sweeten their words
Or the bergamot on my tongue.
They add cream
To lighten the topic.
I prefer my tea bitter and black,
Better to keep me alert
Of those with a knife at my back.
They gulp down
Nightshade tea,
Declining the offer
Of lavender, chamomile, or mint.
Tea parties are wasted
If you don’t poison each other
With words.
They let the drinks get cold.
Teacups crack,
Dripping red drops of rooibos,
Staining the white cloth.
They don’t take a break.
The stain sets.
