The Tray by Naomi Shihab Nye
Even on a sorrowing day
the little white cups without handles
would appear
filled with steaming hot tea
in a circle on the tray,
and whatever we were able
to say or not say,
the tray would be passed,
we would sip
in silence,
it was another way
lips could be speaking together,
opening on the hot rim,
swallowing in unison.
"Tea is an act complete in it's simplicity.
When I drink tea, there is only me, and the tea.
The rest of the world dissolves.
There are no worries about the future.
No dwelling on past mistakes.
Tea is simple: Loose-leaf tea, hot pure water, a cup.
I inhale the scent, tiny delicate pieces of the tea floating above the cup.
I drink the tea, the essence of the leaves becoming a part of me."
- Thich Nhat Hanh
"When tea is made with water drawn from the depth of mind, We really have what is called a tea ceremony." - Toyotomi Hideyoshi
I love the thought of drinking tea from an exquisite tea bowl
I'm searching for just the right one
yes, there is always time for tea... at my place anyway... wherever that may be these days... ha.. gorgeous post and I am particularly fond of the collection of tea infusers.. thanks Robyn...
ReplyDeleteCat, I hope you find that special place that you can call home soon. The tea infusers are beautiful aren't they?!
DeleteWhat a beautiful post -- love Nye's poem and your photos -- finding the perfect teacup is a meditative quest -- how it feels in your hand, the rim on your lips, the warmth -- the texture of the tea bowl - all quite engaging . . .
ReplyDeletexx
It is indeed such a beautiful poem. I havn't found many tea bowls here but I have a feeling I'm not looking in the right places.
Deletelovely words and photos, especially the steam rising from the bowl and the tea stained strainer
ReplyDeleteI just had to include the tea bowl with the curl of steam :-)
Deleteit is always time for tea, and I love every image and everything about this post Robyn, starting my day meditatively and altho I have many lovely teacups, I too am looking for just the right handle-less handmade cup... beautiful
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed the post, eb. I can't decide which cup is my favourite amongst these. They are all so lovely.
Deletea lovely post
ReplyDeleteThanks Jude. The post fell into place once I found Naomi's amazing poem.
DeleteOooh I love how you've captured the joy of tea drinking. The world isn't right until I've downed a mug at the start of my day.
ReplyDeleteEven the thought of a cup of tea or coffee rejuvenates me.
Deletesuch a PROVOKING and AWE inspiring post!
ReplyDeleteThank you Wanda. I really enjoyed putting it together.
Deleteso so true!!! it seems a universal truth - I'm a coffee drinker in the morning but tea is my choice the rest of the day - a simple cup of tea in my studio seems a perfect respite not to be rushed - wonderful post xo
ReplyDeleteJeane, I also like my coffee first thing in the morning but if I'm needing a little comfort it has to be tea.
DeleteI think I have found at least EIGHT "just perfect" tea-bowls!!
ReplyDelete...and still have my peepers open for number NINE :-)
x C
.... and ten, eleven and more.
DeleteI love this post. Thanks. I always take time and enjoy my favourite drink. If it feels like a rush, I don't bother and have water instead. You're post seems to echo that feeling, the simple pleasure of slowing down while the tea cools just enough to drink it.
ReplyDeleteAnnie I also dislike rushing my tea and would rather wait until I can savour it.
DeleteI'm almost always ready for my tea at 3pm...a true studio break.I sometimes sit as if stunned...just gazing and enjoying. I love the gathered infusers and the tea cups are so beautiful...beautiful post Robyn.
ReplyDeleteThe image of the infusers got my attention too!
DeleteNothing is more consoling or pleasing at times than making a tray for one's tea with a precious cup... the tray then carried to the spot that feels just right fro that moment... and the reverie and peace that follows...
ReplyDeletethanks for this simple elegant reminder Robyn... sending warm greetings your way!
x
Hi Sophie, I tend to reward myself with tea or coffee after a long carving session. It's a good time to contemplate my progress while sipping and unwinding.
DeleteAs usual Robyn, you have taken a subject, you have explored it artistically, you have made me think about it in an almost poetic way - so thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteWeaver, the poem seemed to invite beautiful images. I love Naomi's poetry.
DeleteAhhh as I sit here sipping my morning tea I came upon your post. This post expresses my affection for tea. mmmmmm not only the flavor, but the feel, essence.
ReplyDeleteTea time has that effect doesn't it?! A zen like experience, time to contemplate.
DeleteHiya R - so good to connect - and what better way than over a cup of tea. You find such beautiful images. Love Raimund Matros's cup an vapour. Go well. B
ReplyDeleteI can almost smell the steam rising from that cup. Tea seems to tastes better in a beautiful cup especially when one has time to savour it.
DeleteRobyn,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I drink all my liquids from special cups, these are all stunning. xoxo
Annie, I found so many stunning images I decided to start a tea board on Pinterest :-)
Deleteahh, what is it about a cup of tea?
ReplyDeleteA signal to slow down....
Deletelovely, all of it [though i found the Robyn Welch link didn't appear to work?]
ReplyDeletethe thought of tea also put me in mind of Rupert Brooke, with his "bosky wood and slumbrous stream"
...and is there honey still for tea?
India, I couldn't get it to work either so I've linked to ceramics at the Bircham Gallery. Scroll down to Robin Welch.
DeleteOh I forgot the honey! I love it particularly in ginger tea.
Although I'm a coffee guy I like all the images you have.
ReplyDeleteDon I have to have coffee first thing in the morning but I love my tea during the day .... and ginger tea before bed.
DeleteBrings me comfort just looking at all the images and words you have gathered together here. And it reminds me that I don't drink enough tea! It also brings to mind a quote you might like Robyn, that I used on a painting of a teapot, "When tea is made with water drawn from the depth of mind, We really have what is called tea ceremony." - Toyotomi Hideyoshi
ReplyDeleteI will have to add that beautiful quote! It is perfect for the post, thanks C.
DeleteThanks for all those great images and FABULOUS links.
ReplyDeleteWe who savor tea love and appreciate your company. I lift my cup and salute you! Robyn, you have no idea how much you have given me: to savor, to really see, to think about. I just love visiting you here and at Tumblr. Thank you so much! XXX from Ohio!
ReplyDeleteYou've made my day, thank you Mary Jo!
DeleteThe poem too, warm as a cup of tea. Love it.
ReplyDeleteI love so many of Naomi's poems.
DeleteI'm sitting here sipping Lapsang Souchong tea tonight - it just felt smoky time! We have just bought some more beautiful japanese tea cups we seem to be adding to the cupboard...I love the form and all that they symbolise. This was a delight meander Robyn - thanks! And so many beautiful words...
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the post Fiona.
DeleteI love the ceremony and imagery of tea. I am not a tea drinker, but I just blogged a few days ago about WANTING to love tea, because I love all of the things associated with it. This sums it up perfectly in visual form.
ReplyDeleteLol .... I want to love some of the more exotic teas. There are a few that need a little practice.
DeleteWhat a stunning collection, both words and images.
ReplyDeleteYou have some of my favorite tea images here.. and poetry too... I am a tea drinker and lover. My pantry is filled with all kinds and types of tea. Whenever I travel I look for a tea to bring home.
ReplyDelete