Chai

• Amaani Pocha, Grade 6, Mansfield State School
• Poetry
• 2021

Finalist in the 'Play On Words 2021' competition

As my Naani spends Sundays lazing in her jhoola swing,
She longs for the exotic taste of Darjeeling tea.
I reach for the shiny brass kettle with its rusty handle key,
Adding a shimmering vale of water, and letting it sing.
I reach for the khalbatta to help grind our spices,
Our tea infused with sweet aromas.
Husky cardamoms, and odd shaped cloves impart our noses,
Whilst adding a glistening sprinkle of golden sugar entices.
As the strong tea perfumes the warm room,
I clatter out the ochre clay cups and reach for the polished spoons.
Tilting the kettle, the tea cascades. The steam arises. These are our afternoons.
Naani and I nestle our knees together under her cosy quilt in the sunroom.
She takes a sip and her eyes deepen, as she recites tales of yore,
It takes me to a fantastical time, where I yearn to be.
My identity lies within this cup of tea.
A warm hug from Naani brings these moments to the fore.