Tea & Honey

Boot the door

as I walk in. Slam 

keys on the counter, exhaling something 

like stress and exhaustion.

Coat mounted on the back of a chair. 

Boilpot on the burner.

Anticipation for a whistle. 

A school bell at the end of the day. 

My favored mug shivering in my raw hands,

I wait… wait…

The most sizable spoon, 

I submerge in honey. 

Let the gilt syrup sink it.

Thumb sized bag of coffees cousin

 I submerge. Strictly decaf.

The molten gold on my tongue. 

Frozen limbs in a hot bath.

Myself I give this treat because I earned it.

Sip. Gulp. Burn. Wait for it to cool. Wait.

Sticky fingers to lick clean. 

Extra treat. 

Between hardwood and a duvet.

Let my lull radio sing. listen

Holiday music in November.

Sip. Swaddle. Sip.

“Silent Night” Mind, 

don’t snag on tomorrow. 

Hum along to the music.

Stay perfectly still. 

Early I wake up tomorrow.

Take the last sip.