Prompt for 4/17
Waiting for the teapot to whistle
Waiting for the teapot to whistle, I thought of those sweltering August afternoons when we kids would race across a dozen unfenced, ungreen yards to the tracks, rushing to watch the 2:47 cattle train to Abilene thunder through town, never stopping, never failing to kick up tons more dust than our bare feet could, and always hinting at something else, something so exciting that we jabbered like birds as we raced home, falling silent only when, again, we saw mother's downcast eyes as she silently waited for the teapot to whistle.
7 months ago
Waiting for the teapot to whistle gives me enough time to reflect on the errors, sorrows and regrets of my life. I never go towards the good stuff, but there are many nooks of time to acknowledge imperfection. I use them all.
7 months ago
A few lines, so evocative - Vern calling up childhood's bright open spirit and mother's reflection...Rise steeping thoughts as she waits. It's a pleasure to write with you!
7 months ago
Waiting for the teapot to whistle, I make my selection from the myriad choices: soothing chamomile to hot tingly Bengal Spice, mint so freshly pungent, the tender ache of licorice, Rooibos as clear and red as the open savannah, Assam black and deep, or clear green tea to clear my vision and palate. And then, placing this delicate bag into the bottom of a mug as rich with color and texture as the faraway herbs I love, I pour the hot rush of boiling water with a steady hand – calling up their flavor and scent. Alone or shared, the ritual transports me to my tea’s exotic roots, even as it grounds me in the comfort of my wildly hospitable kitchen.
7 months ago
I'm a little teapot, short and stout. Singing and dancing with my children in the living room of their childhood home, their gazing eyes, tiny fists, bobbing knees, baby smiles directed at my demonstration as we all tip over and "pour me out." Sweet dreams from days never to return but in my mind.
7 months ago
My mother sang the same song to me, and I to my kids...such sweet memories in your words, drawing us all together!
7 months ago
