Brewing Instructions

A proper cup
of black tea on a cold
winter morning
begins with an extra
scoop of leaves
crushed and allowed
to percolate.

Caffeine’s jolt
shouldn’t be spiced
sugared nor
muddied with a splash
of milk that
will hurry the heat
to dissipate.

Steep well
until that bitter brew
is opaque as
the night preceding it
and be sure to
serve blisteringly hot
to resuscitate.