Harder than Defusing a Bomb

The bag sits in the water,

Its shining, metal surface

Reflecting the light

Of the morning.

“Ok,” I think.

“Just a few moments longer.”

I take the tea bag out of the cup,

Burning my finger as I do so.

“Ah,” I exclaim

As I stir the liquid.

I take a sip, carefully,

And taste bitterness:

I left it in too long.

Tea is a game, you see.

Just like a traditional game,

There is a different outcome

Each time.

It is impossible to brew

A cup of tea in the same way

As the last time.

It simply is.

Sometimes it is too bitter.

Sometimes it is too weak.

But sometimes, you manage to get it right.

Making tea is the best game in the world.

#poetry