A couple of flash pieces (had to be 150 words) on Tea. For the Tucson Steampunk Society, which has awesome tea parties and tea contests.
Sensational
by Michael Bradley
Exotic herbal aromas hint of ancient lands and mysterious unspoken secrets.
The steam darkens almost imperceptibly as the tender leaves release their potions.
Suspended beneath the enticingly hot waters the green magic is coaxed from its burnished cage as the gentle liquid soothes it to submission.
The china resists ever so slightly when first lifted, as if reluctant to divulge its hidden mysteries too soon.
Waters in the mouth seek that in the vessel with anticipation.
Flavors cascade on the tongue in a warm summer rain.
Explosions of robust health and calm shout their happy arrival.
Peace, harmony, self-worth and happiness flood throughout.
Gentle harmonies and sub-harmonies play their delightful melodies.
Time slows and deep thoughts arise, long in stressful slumber, released in the moment of bliss.
Only when the brew is finished and the last drop of the elixir drained, does reality come washing back in with the other cares of life less exciting.
Enduring
by Michael Bradley
Once both peasants and Emperors tread upon my soil.
Great empires have risen and fallen, the blood of many washed away with the eons of rain, growth, and harvest.
Outsiders arrived from time to time.
Throughout, our worth was always recognized.
Whether petty money, tyrannical opium trade or war, all sought to possess us.
They realized not that we shall endure long after they have passed.
Our roots dig into the ancient soil; our leaves are bright in the sun.
We reach for the sky for its light and warmth, to the Earth for its dark nutrients.
Despite the trod of conquerors, we endure.
Our golden, orange, black and green treasured greater than gold, silver or bronze.
Youngest and smallest among us, our green leaves even bring life.
Tea we are. Long ago the great lizards chewed upon our vines. Now the humans boil our leaves for drink.
We will endure for the next ones who come.
Michael Bradley - Time Traveler 